The auxiliary sciences, which refer to a range of disciplines that assist historians in their research and understanding of the past, have significantly impacted the historical content regarding the African Kingdom of Mapungubwe, particularly for educational settings like a Grade 6 curriculum. Mapungubwe was an influential early Iron Age kingdom located in what is now South Africa, and its study incorporates various auxiliary sciences. Below is an overview of how these disciplines have enhanced our understanding of Mapungubwe, followed by a reference list that educators might find useful when discussing this topic with Grade 6 students.
Impact of Auxiliary Sciences on Historical Content
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Archaeology
- Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts, architectural remains, and burial sites in the Mapungubwe region, providing insight into the material culture of the kingdom. Significant findings include gold artifacts, pottery, and tools that illustrate the technological advancements and artistic expressions of the society. This evidence helps students appreciate the complexities of pre-colonial African societies.
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Anthropology
- Anthropology contributes to understanding the social structures, customs, and daily lives of the Mapungubwe people. By studying the cultural practices and beliefs of contemporary and historical communities, students can make connections between past and present lifestyles.
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Linguistics
- Linguistic studies shed light on the languages spoken in and around Mapungubwe and provide insights into the communication, oral traditions, and identity of its inhabitants. Understanding language helps students explore how communities maintained their stories and cultural continuity.
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Paleoclimatology
- Research into climate patterns during the time of Mapungubwe helps to explain urban development, agricultural practices, and trade connections. Insights into climatic changes can help students understand the factors that influenced the rise and fall of the kingdom.
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History
- Historical narratives supported by historical methods integrate findings from other auxiliary sciences to create a cohesive story about Mapungubwe. This established narrative often includes the kingdom's social hierarchies, trade networks, and competition for resources, enriching students' understanding of governance and economy in early African states.
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Geography
- Geographical studies illustrate how the landscape impacted settlement patterns and trade routes for the Mapungubwe kingdom. This contextualizes students' knowledge of how geography can influence cultural and economic developments.
Reference List
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Hall, Martin. (2002). *The Archaeology of the Mapungubwe Kingdom: Evidence from the ‘City of Gold’. *In: The Palgrave Handbook of African Archaeology.
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Schoeman, Marilise. (2006). "Mapungubwe: A Study of a Past Society". The South African Archaeological Bulletin.
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Korf, Wilma. (2018). Ancient Africa: Archaeology & History of African Kingdoms. New York: Scholarly Publishing.
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Ngubane, H. (1996). Cultural Identity and the South African Archaeology: The Example of Mapungubwe. African Archaeological Review.
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Mason, Richard. (2013). Iron Age Societies in Southern Africa. [Book published by the University of Cape Town Press].
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Van Waarden, Maartje. (2020). "Trade and Exchange Systems in Early Africa: Lessons from Mapungubwe." Antiquity.
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Meyer, Paul. (1993). Mapungubwe: The History and Culture of a Southern African Kingdom. Pretoria: African Studies Centre.
These resources can aid educators in crafting an engaging curriculum centered on Mapungubwe by providing credible historical contexts and interdisciplinary approaches that can captivate young learners' interests.