The Bakone Malapa Open-air Museum in Polokwane demonstrates the traditional way of life of the Bakone people, a subgroup of the Sotho people.
Just a 15-minute drive from the city center - and you are in a different world, opening the everyday secrets of the local people. The museum is located 9 km south of the city. It is one of the must-visit places in Polokwane.
"Bakone Malapa" literally means "Bakone manor": it is a stylized village built on the place of an ancient settlement. It is a colorful reminder of what the living conditions here were like more than 300 years ago.
The village houses are the heart of the museum. Several representatives of the Basuto still live here. They communicate with tourists, enlighten guests about traditional crafts and their routine.
Throughout the day, you can watch the usual activities of the Basuto, see how they kept the houses hundreds of years ago. The local villagers are skillful and creative people, and it is easy to see this from their native crafts. Visitors can see how the residents make pottery, carve wood, make beading, sew clothes, weave grass, make drums, or hunting weapons.
But three hundred years of history is not all that opens up in Bakone Malapa. You can also find here archaeological sites with the remains of iron and copper-smelting plants, as well as rock paintings dating back to about 1000 BC. This is the evidence that the area was inhabited much earlier than the Bakone came to this land.
The museum offers guided tours, and local guides provide fascinating information about the ancient culture and history of Bakone. Hand-made items made right here are sold at very reasonable prices in the Bakone Malapa craft store. Here they are, perfect African gifts for friends and family!