Page 23 - FWG Issue 5 June 2024

Fever tree forest

Excavations carried out in the 1990s revealed two burial sites on wire on her legs – evidence of her noble status. Queen Losha was
the hilltop. Community leaders allowed the graves to be exhumed later reburied on the site with 800 people attending the ceremony.
and excavated. Research revealed that the two skeletons died over
a century apart. One was of a male whom archaeologists named So, why did the residents of Thulamela leave their hillside home?
King Ingwe (meaning “leopard”). It is possible that he never lived at Where did they go? Archaeologists and historians have various
Thulamela. The other gravesite held the remains of a noblewoman theories: it could be due to traditions following the death of a ruler,
whom archaeologists named Queen Losha. an environmental disaster or a war over the control of land and
resources. But because so much of Thulamela’s history disappeared
Dr Forssman has worked at these grave sites and explains: “The when it was abandoned, these questions remain unanswered, as
dates on the two human burials don’t help much. The male burial does much of Thulamela’s history.
was dated to about 1450, the female burial to about 1600.”
Note: Return Africa Pafuri Camp is the nearest tented camp
There is a gap of about 120 years between the deaths of these to Thulamela. Staying here gives you access to the amazing
two individuals. The male was buried with 73 gold beads and 990 surrounding areas of Crooks Corner (marking the confluence of the
ostrich egg beads. It appears that the male bones were brought Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers, and an escape route for smugglers
to the settlement, whereas the female appears to have died there. and anyone else dodging the law) and Fever Tree Forest. For more
information, visit www. originsafaris.africa
She was found lying on her side with her hands folded under her
cheeks – the losha position, indicating respect. That’s why the Sian Clark is a producer for the History Channel. This story was filmed
excavation team named her Queen Losha. She was buried along for Great African Mysteries, which will be screened on DStv channel 186
with 291 gold beads, a gold bracelet on her left arm and copper on 3 August.

Exclusive special offer for FWG residents only!!!

R3, 667 per person per night sharing at the incredible Pafuri and Thulamela.

This minimum three-night stay in a luxury tent overlooking the Luvuvhu River includes a Tour of the Thulamela site.
For more information and to book contact reservations@returnafrica.com and use ORIGIN SAFARIS in your subject line.
This offer is courtesy of Return African Pafuri Camp. https://returnafrica.com

Fourways Gardens • 21 • June 2024