A-Level Notes History - Early Communities Of Zimbabwe - Military, Social and Religious Organization

Military Organization

The Mutapa state had a strong army which was needed to control the vast lands. The army was headed by the King as chief commander of soldiers. The King was helped by a commander-in -chief,  Nengomasha the second most powerful official  in the Mutapa state. There was the 'Dare rehondo' [council of war] which ratified war decisions and conscripted soldiers. The Mutapa state had a large army which assembled only when need arose [the Mutapa had no standing army].The Mutapa could however,  raise 3 000 -5 000 soldiers within 24 hours.

However, the Mutapa maintained a small  regular force of 200 to 500 soldiers to guard the state and maintain peace and order at the king's court.  Drums were beaten as well as 'Hwamanda' was sounded to assemble Mutapa soldiers.  'N'anga' [spiritual  healers] were consulted by the army before going to war. According to Oral Tradition  Mutapa soldiers were witch doctored and at times were made to eat human flesh to make them brave before they went to war. The Mutapa army also consisted of female warriors who at times acted as prostitutes during the war.

Social Organisation

There were two distinct classes. The upper class comprised the rich, the rulers and a large court beuracracy which lived  in  luxury. The second class was made up of the commoners. The ruler's luxurious life was reflected  by wealthy floors covered with  mats and carpets, walls richly decorated by coloured imported  cloth, their dress was distinct and they put on many copper and gold bangles from abroad.  (Proctor and Phimister) Among the commoners, were the disabled.  Citing  Portuguese sources,  Ransford,  (1968:34) says that "kings showed great charity for the poor". These were called,  "The king's poor",  and were given land and revenue for their livelihood.  Polygamy was heavily practised by the rich,  as this was one way of displaying one's riches.  Cattle loaning system (kuronzera) was practised and it united the people. There was division of labour based on sex. Women did crop cultivation,  gathering,  cooking and looking after children whilst men mainly hunted and could also clear land for cultivation.  Cattle were a status symbol. The Mutapa people believed in witchcraft.  They also believed in life after death.

Religious Beliefs

The people believed in the existence of the supreme god called Mwari. They worshiped Mwari through ancestral spirits.  Families had their own ancestral spirits but they also believed in the regional spirit mediums,  'mhondoro'. The king was always the religious leader and always received blessings from spirit mediums. They also practised  religious ceremonies such as the rain making ceremony.