Well known as the default Zimbabwe pattern, when ever you are asked to put an ethnic/African touch to a design the Chevron pattern will most likely come up in the conversation. It was a dedication to the Kings wives who stayed at the great enclosure It represented fertility in women.
Only one of the Great Zimbabwe birds, which was found at the Great Enclosure, had the Chevron Pattern. Fertility was a status symbol, having a number of children was prestigious.
The chevron Pattern is only found on the exterior of the east facing wall of the great Enclosure and you can easily miss this if you are not aware of this fact.
Dentele Pattern
Depicts the succession of Kings one after the other.
Herring Bone Pattern
Represented the idea that the king was the back bone of the society.
Chess Board Pattern
Symbolised interdependence between members of this same society.
Of these patterns only the Chevron was found at Great Zimbabwe, the rest are found at Naletale. It seems all these patterns were never just for aesthetics but were functional in stating facts and telling stories.
Naletele
Naletale ruins are found between Bulawayo and Gweru. They are the most exquisitely decorated. A recent article acknowledging the importance of these ruins. It also states that Naletale was placed on UNESCO’s 2012 World’s Monument Watch list. The style is much more refined as there were built later, the craftsmen had perfected their art the most basic styles of decoration are found on the Hill complex. Nalatale is not even marketed as a destination and many Zimbabweans are not even aware of these ruins.
Other ruins in Zimbabwe include Khami ruins in Bulawayo, Dhlo Dhlo near Bulawayo and Zuva Ruins in Nyanga.
Interpretive Signage
The signage at Great Zimbabwe was an improvement since I last came. The signage was mainly directional, but as is the case with many parks in Zimbabwe, they need to adopt interpretive signage at specific points around the park. I guess the reason parks in Zimbabwe would not adopt the idea of interpretive signage is because they feel it will nullify the guided tour aspect. I feel there is room for both to co exist.
The Entrance to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins leaves a lot to be desired for such a prominent heritage site. But this points to the value Zimbabwe places on monuments and art. I saw the same sense of neglect and disinterest at Birchenough Bridge.
There was also a big map at the main info section. Through interpretive signage more detailed maps of each section would be helpful at each site eg, the Great Enclosure, The Hill complex.
Thank you for this article. Almost all of my design revolves around Great Zimbabwe
Lots of inspiration there
Thank you for this article. Almost all of my design revolves around Great Zimbabwe
Lots of inspiration there
nice article, having more signs at the site sounds like a great idea that someone needs to champion (i doubt the responsible people are going to do this). I also did not know about the Naletale ruins
Its a standard every where else where they are serious about tourism.
where they are serious about anything really, i think we (common folk) should take the initiative. some designers could take this up and someone looking for some attention could sponsor the venture. plenty of ideas out there but they are never realised bcz we fail to take the initiative
I agree with that, a sponsor would be ideal. And all the parks would need to do in exchange is grant access into the park and information.
Nicely done. How do i get to Naletale, i am inspired to go see the place for myself as well
Not sure how to get there not even sure exactly where they are I would love to go there as well.
nice article, having more signs at the site sounds like a great idea that someone needs to champion (i doubt the responsible people are going to do this). I also did not know about the Naletale ruins
Its a standard every where else where they are serious about tourism.
where they are serious about anything really, i think we (common folk) should take the initiative. some designers could take this up and someone looking for some attention could sponsor the venture. plenty of ideas out there but they are never realised bcz we fail to take the initiative
I agree with that, a sponsor would be ideal. And all the parks would need to do in exchange is grant access into the park and information.
Nicely done. How do i get to Naletale, i am inspired to go see the place for myself as well
Not sure how to get there not even sure exactly where they are I would love to go there as well.
[…] famous Chevron pattern can be seen from the outside of the east facing […]
[…] famous Chevron pattern can be seen from the outside of the east facing […]