Mapungubwe cast beads

Gold beads from Mapungubwe were recovered in vast quantities. These three large solid cast gold beads are the largest gold beads in the Mapungubwe Collection. There were excavated from the Grave Area on Mapungubwe Hill and date from AD 1250 – AD 1290. Together they weigh 6.5g (net) and their measurements range from, 8.44mm to 6.85mm with a 8.67mm diameter. The perforation in the centre of the beads appear punched most probably by a sharp iron implement.