| Pinetown Museum | |
| Address | Library and Museum Complex, Cnr. Crompton Street and Old Main Road, Pinetown, Durban |
| Telephone | 031 311 6343 |
| Visiting Hours | Mon - Fri 9h00 - 17h00 Saturdays 09h00 - 12h00 Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays |
| About |
Pinetown Museum features exhibits covering a range of topics with a focus on local history. Outlining several aspects of the surrounding region, the museum provides local learners with an overview of the development of the Pinetown region from prehistory to modern times. Local history features include famous settlers and characters from the region dating from the mid nineteenth century, awards from the first Rand Show, the development of the Paradise Valley waterworks and Edwardian clothing, furniture and other paraphernalia. Zulu craft, from beadwork, traditional weapons and plumage to more modern developments in customs and tradition give insight into the diversity of local culture. There are several natural history displays, with exhibits on poisonous snakes, flora, small mammals and birdlife that occur in the region. Anthropology is also a central theme, focusing on the evolution of man. The exhibit includes a replica of the famous 'Mrs Ples' skull, and Australopithecus Africanus eary hominid discovered on the Highveld, estimated to have existed over two and a half million years ago. The collection includes stone-age toolsand artifacts, and insights into life in earliest civilizations. |