RARE MEDIEVAL AFRICAN HIGH CARAT GOLD GREAT ZIMBABWE PERIOD BEAD RING C1400's

Description: RARE MEDIEVAL AFRICAN HIGH CARAT GOLD GREAT ZIMBABWE PERIOD BEAD RING C1400'sA very scarce, high carat (around 22k gold) ring, constructed of gold beads dating from somewhere between 1200-1500, excavated around 1900 in Mapungubwe hill in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia).More than 12,000 gold beads were found at a single burial site on Mapungubwe Hill. Many of them were strung into beaded necklaces and rings depicting social status, especially for female members of royalty. By the end of the first millennium of the Common Era, the east coast of Africa was bustling. Arab and Asian seafarers had discovered the seasonal trade winds, which enabled them to sail up and down the African shore where they snapped up animal skins, gold and ivory from the locals.Several trading stations were subsequently established at places such as Zanzibar, Mogadishu, Madagascar and Kilwa, creating a marine trade network that predated the European voyages of discovery by over 500 years. Since the Limpopo region contained healthy supplies of wild elephants for ivory as well as nuggets of alluvial gold in the rivers, several tribes in the region became very prosperous. Gradually, these early entrepreneurs began to develop a sophisticated civilisation based on personal wealth and status.Fortunately, at the time, the climate was in a benevolent phase and the developing kingdoms were bolstered by fertile lands and bountiful herds. A prominent centre of this mercantile Iron Age culture was located several hundred kilometres to the north-west of the Kruger National Park, near the junction of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.By 1200, this society had developed into a considerable empire, exerting an influence over several hundred square kilometres in what is now the cross-border region between Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Known today as the Mapungubwe civilisation, the capital city was built around a distinctive flat-topped hill on the southern side of the Limpopo River.On the summit of the hill lived the king and a small entourage. At the foot of the hill lived several thousand citizens, who literally looked up at their king as a sacred being. For 100 years, the people living around Mapungubwe Hill flourished. Then, quite suddenly, the civilisation collapsed. It does not appear as if the hill was invaded by an external force, but climate change and drought may have forced the people to move on. Whatever the case, circa 1290, Mapungubwe was abruptly abandoned.African tribes who subsequently lived in the area considered the hill to be taboo. It was said to be the home of ancestors and cursed would be the man who attempted to climb the hill. Mapungubwe was therefore shunned and the story of its people remained shrouded in mystery for 700 years.It was only in the 1900s that white farmers in the area heard of the forbidden hill and, unconcerned with native superstition, climbed up its steep flanks. Their re-discovery of several royal graves on the hilltop, complete with golden grave goods, sparked off a 70-year excavation that is still ongoing.There are many archaeological sites where the mysteries of the past and ancient peoples are still haunting this harsh landscape. Mapungubwe Hill (‘Place of the Jackal’) is situated reasonably near Musina at the border post. It used to be a natural fortress and was inhabited between approximately AD 950 to 1200. Discoveries include many gold manufactured artifacts and indicates a trading culture between Africa, India and China. Such a lovely early and interesting example...so collectible - wearable too! CONDITION: All original and very, very good. Slight signs of wear commensurate with age and use. DEFECTS: None. DATE/MARKS: 11-14th Century. Not marked. DIMENSIONS: 4 mm at widest (1 inch = 25.4 mm). RING SIZE: M or 6.5 US (can be resized down within reason). WEIGHT: Approx. 5.4 grams. Click here to view our other items. Please examine all pictures before committing to buy.With over 35 years' experience and expertise in the quality jewelry and antiques business, we have completed over 70,000 overseas transactions in the last 10+ years online. As a highest level seller we are totally committed to your satisfaction! Check our feedback & bid with complete confidence! All orders are sent professionally packed & fully insured for your peace of mind! US / Overseas Buyers : Payment with Paypal & PayPal Credit. We offer large shipping reductions on multiple purchases, please get in touch for a quote! UK Buyers: Payment with Paypal in US $ only. Please don't forget VAT is payable on all items apart from gold coins! 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Price: 2340 USD

Location: Sale

End Time: 2024-10-15T09:56:21.000Z

Shipping Cost: 16 USD