Tsonga Open-Air Museum

The Tsonga Open-Air  Museum represents the building styles and cultural products of the North Tsonga. The North Tsonga is composed of refugee groups from the southern part of Mozambique.

The rise of Shaka and subsequent wars led to the development of a group of Zulu refugees under Soshangana along the East Coast up into the present Mozambique. They in turn conquered the Tsonga living in this area. These wars and later excessive disputes between two of Soshangana’s sons drove many of the Tsonga over the Lebombo Mountains to the safety of the present Limpopo Province. Later the descendents of Soshangana, known as the Shangaan, fled to the Limpopo Province where they in turn were conquered by the Portuguese. Today the descendants of both these groups live in the area formerly known as Gazankulu. A great deal of acculturation can be seen between the two groups.

The Tsonga Open-Air Museum, as it is today, is an attempt to show as many of the traditional building styles of the North Tsonga as possible. Many of the styles shown here are no longer found in the villages of the North Tsonga. The layout of the kraal represents the homestead of a chief with eight wives. The arrangement of the huts follows a set pattern, but many variations on this pattern are found within the area.

The kraal was built exclusively of materials traditionally used. The frameworks of most of the huts are made of Mopani poles bound together with bark, also from the Mopani tree. The walls and the floors are made of clay taken from ant heaps. The paint used to decorate the walls is made from different coloured soils.

Several of the huts, which are open to the public, have been equipped with objects traditionally used in every day life.

Craftsmen practice the traditional crafts, such as pottery, woodwork, basketry and salt making. Thus an attempt is being made here to give visitors a glimpse of the culture and lifestyle of the Tsonga.

The idea of building a traditional Tsonga kraal in the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve, originated after the discovery of several archaeological sites. They appeared to be the remains of prehistoric salt and iron smelting works.

Guided tours are available during the week at 10:00 and 15:00.

The programme can include the following:

• Clay crafts/pottery;
• Rush mat weaving;
• Beadwork;
• Video shows (on request); and
• Traditional dancing (on request).

Reservations for all programmes must be made in advance .