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Viewpoint Ceremony Enclosure

ID: w227048 View large map

Located in Zimbabwe :: Masvingo  :: Masvingo
Category: Attraction :: Viewpoint

In traditional Zimbabwe settlements, the areas behind the mambo's residence were reserved for religious function performed by spirit mediums. The atmosphere of a mysterious spiritual world is enhanced by the presence of monolithic boulders around the Eastern Enclosure, as well as the surrounding walls wedged between rock clefts with contorted narrow entrances and an underground passage. The stone platforms originally supported monoliths topped by six of the seven Zimbabwe stone birds which were found in this enclosure along with other ceremonial artifacts such as soapstone bowls (Garlake 1974; Huffman 1987). Furthermore, archaeological investigations of the stratified layers show no evidence of any residential occupation in this enclosure (Huffman 1996). This evidence, as well as the use of historical record and oral tradition, suggests that the Eastern Enclosure was a ritual area. Huffman and Mufuka both refer to it as the 'national religious centre' for Zimbabwe (Huffman 1987; Mufuka 1983).

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Address :  Masvingo, Zimbabwe

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