Naletale Cluster (Central Region)

The Naletale Cluster of dry stone-walled (crafted without mortar or binding agents) sites is situated in the south-central region of Zimbabwe, approximately 90 kilometres south of the City of Gweru. This cluster, active as settlement centres between the 16th and 18th centuries, include notable sites such as Naletale, Ntsalantsala, and Bhila. Architecturally influenced by Great Zimbabwe and Khami, the site of Naletale features Zimbabwean-style houses on decorated stone platforms. The primary enclosure spans about 60 metres in diameter and exhibits intricate decorations like chevron, herringbone, cord, checkers, and alternating coloured stone inserts.

The architectural finesse of Naletale’s dry stone walling reflects remarkable levels of craftsmanship, creativity, and imagination. Economic activities at the site mirror those found at Khami including cattle herding, trade and agriculture. Transoceanic trade networks are evidenced by the discovery of imported items such as glass beads and ceramics.

Despite Naletale’s cultural achievements, the Changamire state, to which Naletale belonged, faced challenges, engaging in conflicts with Mutapa and Portuguese forces during the 17th century AD. The political dominance of the Rozvi in the 19th century waned due to the Mfecane, ultimately marking the arrival of the Ndebele in the region.

Click on the images to enlarge.

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Sources
1. Gurira, Nyasha & Manyanga, Munyaradzi & Gutu, Clapperton & Ndlovu-Nyathi, Charity. (2017). The monument we deserve: authenticity and the conservation of dry-stone walls at Naletale National Monument, Zimbabwe. In Manyanga, M. and Chirikure, S (eds). Archives, Objects, Places and Landscapes: Multidisciplinary approaches to Decolonised Zimbabwean pasts
2. Kapumha, R. 2023. Reflections on the Ancient Chiefdoms and States of Southern Africa. In Rehren, T and Nikita (eds). Encyclopedia of Archaeology 2nd Edition.
3. Naletale Cluster of Dzimbabwes. UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List [Link]
4. Naletale Ruins. National Monuments of Zimbabwe [Link]

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