Preparing the Exhibit...
Please wait while we carefully uncover and display the treasures of Kokstad Museum.
Please wait while we carefully uncover and display the treasures of Kokstad Museum.
Explore our diverse collection showcasing the rich cultural heritage of East Griqualand
The objective of the East Griqualand Museum is to preserve and promote the history of all the people who live in East Griqualand. The museum achieves this by acquiring, preserving, and displaying artifacts that relate to this part of the region. The main theme of the museum is the history of Adam Kok III, the founder of Kokstad.
Between Khoi / San period and advent of the Griquas in 1863, no tribe settled permanently in East Griqualand. For a brief period in the 17th Century the Nguni and Amamba (now Pondo) tribes populated it briefly, but soon chose warm climates.
The beadwork of Mpondo, though similar in design to the Zulu culture, differs mainly in the colour of the beads used. Also on display are Nguni bead necklaces and Nguni clay pots that were used for storage.
Examples of Bushmen rock art are to be found on many farms in the East Griqualand area and some of their artifacts are on display.
There are many stone age sites scattered throughout East Griqualand. Many have never been explored or catalogued. Recovery of these implements is common-place and range from places as diverse as Ramahlakoana's Gate to the back yards of farms.
Discovered at various locations in and around East Griqualand, one piece on display, discovered in banks of Krom River, has been dated at 250 million years old and confirms that the whole area was covered by pine forests during this period.
Inside the Rheon machine that belonged to the Presbyterian Church can be seen a copy of the churches morning and evening program. There are also examples of an early wooden cash register, two Remington typewriters, one a standard model and the other a Junior model with the original case.
One of the beautifully engraved view finder on display is over 100 years old, dated 1900. Please note the fine viewfinder slides of early Kokstad. The Roman slide projector is dated 1 / 3 / 1957.
As can be seen by the engravings on some of the bottles, East Griqualand had its own bottling companies such as Goodwins and Taskers. The milk bottle, complete with glass cork, is from Young Bros. of Wanstead, East Griqualand.
The equipment on display was used by housewives all around the world during the later half of last century into the early part of the 20th Century. Some of the items include: A copper pot for boiling clothes, the iron wringer (forefather of the spin - dryer), Various models of wooden clothes wringers.
Farming has always played a large role in the economy of East Griqualand and a hand - operated boiler is displayed next to the cheese equipment.
Cheese making started on individual farms throughout East Griqualand. Each farm, at the turn of the 20th Century, had its own dairy. As times changed, each area consolidated and formed their own cheese making Co-op's won National International awards.
Exhibits dedicated to the founder of Kokstad and leader of the Griqua people during their migration to East Griqualand.
Displays showcasing the military history of the region and its role players.
Historical medical equipment and documentation related to healthcare in the region.
In 1948 East Griqualand produced thirty percent of all cheese in the Union of South Africa. Today there is only one cheese making business left in East Griqualand.
On display is a wooden barrel butter churn with the following inscribed on it:
"Wooden Arch Albany Butter Worker. Shakespearean Rd Trade Mark Inscription No 76960. Notice This Great Butter Producing Churn Used in All Parts Of The World. Hathaway Maker, Chippenham, England"
Experience these fascinating exhibits and learn about the rich history of East Griqualand at the museum.