Ncome Museum came into being in 1999 as part of the National Government's Legacy project of preserving histories of all people of South Africa. The museum is built on the site of the Battle of Blood River of 16 December 1838. The war was between the Zulus under King Dingane and the Voortrekkers. The Zulu people commonly call this battle: impi yaseNcome named after the nearby Ncome River.
The museum offers a variety of cultural activities. Due to the fact that the museum is located in a rural area inhabitated by mainly isiZulu and SeSotho speaking people, it is able to host different cultural activities pertaining to these groups. These include traditional dance, traditional outfits, different traditional dishes (food).The museum is also active in assisting local communities in crafts. The museum also sponsores local maidens annually by proving transport for them to go to the annual Reed Dance in September. The museum is also actively involved in educational projects that are in line with the school curriculum.
All these activities are highlighted below:
School's Debate - May and August
Women event and traditional food -August 2009
Reeds Dance at ENyokeni - September 2009
Commemoration of the Battle of Ncome/Blood River - 16 December 2009
Printing of the Ncome Brochure March 2009
Temporary display on the 10th April
10th Annivesary of the Ncome Museum 1999-2009
Background
Ncome Museum was officially opened in November 1999 as one of the legacy projects under the then Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. Architecturally, the museum is unique. It takes its shape from the Zulu war horn formation which was initiated by the late Zulu King, Shaka kaSenzangakhona. The museum offers a positive re-interpretation of the 1838 war and exhibits items on Zulu and SeSotho material culture in general. The rich symbolism of the Zulu language is captured through items on displays. The Museum is named after a nearby river known as iNcome in isiZulu. Ncome Museum is situated on the east of the river. To the west of the iNcome River there is Blood River Monument .
Location
The Ncome Museum is located 43 kms from Dundee , 24 from Nquthu and 72 kms from Vryheid. The site is located on the environment which consists of a variety of African cultures. On the way to the site from De Jager's Drift there are a number of farms including game farms. The route from the site to Nquthu is characterised by homesteads / imizi of local AmaZulu and Sotho people . The site is sign posted with " Blood River ", "Ncome" or "Blood River/eNcome" signs .
Administration
Ncome Museum is administered by the Voortrekker Museum . This means that it shares one Council, One Director and One Administration department with the Voortrekker Museum in Pietermaritzburg. However, this does not mean that it is not an independent institution. All other functions are performed at Ncome.
Ncome/Blood River Heritage Site
Ncome Bloed Rivier Heritage Site is probably one of the most unique battlefields in South Africa . The site witnessed a first major confrontation between the Voortrekkers and amaZulu on 16 December 1838 . The Voortrekkers fought under the leadership of Andries Pretorius while King Dingane's impi was led by Ndlela kaSompisi.
The Museum Complex consists of:
The main museum - with the exhibition hall
Curio Shop
KwaMkhulu - Zulu Hut with an exhibition of Zulu cultural items
Workstation
The Main Building
The main building comprises of the main exhibition hall, administration office, kitchenette, toilets and the shields exhibitions. Architecturally, the museum is unique. It takes its shape from the Zulu war horn formation which was initiated by the late Zulu King, Shaka kaSenzangakhona.
The Curio Shop
The Museum Curio Shop- this shop is housed in a replica of a traditional Zulu Hut. It offers a variety of curios made from beads, hides, grass, wood, iron, paper and other materials purchased from the local people around Nquthu area. The Shop opens seven days a week
KwaMkhulu (Grand father's house)
KwaMkhulu is also another Zulu Traditional House (Iqhugwane) that is quite big and houses Zulu Cultural items ranging from traditional households utensils to traditional attire. (The attire is also used by local community members for various ceremonies.
Workstation
Museum's workstation is used for various outreach projects done in conjunction with local people. There are pottery and crafts groups that do their crafts in the workstation under the guidance of the Museum's Cultural Officer.
WHERE: 24 from Nquthu and 72 kms from Vryheid. The site is located on the environment which consists of a variety of African cultures. On the way to the site from De Jager's Drift there are a number of farms including game farms. The route from the site to Nquthu is characterised by homesteads / imizi of local AmaZulu and Sotho people . The site is sign posted with " Blood River ", "Ncome" or "Blood River/eNcome" signs .
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (034) 2718121
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