Khami

	Khami
Click link on thumbnail. More images...! Hill Complex: Retaining walls Hill Complex: Intricate passages	Location	Bulawayo (15km West)
	Designers	The Torwa people
	Date	15th - 17th centuries
	Original Client	Torwa State, (cast off from Munhumutapa empire)
	Style	Stone masonry
	Discussion	Khami was the seat of the Torwa dynasty between 15th and 17th centuries, brought about by 'refugees' from the collapsing Great Zimbabwe state 250km away. It's mambo occupied the highest enclave in the city, a well protected court surrounded by the dwellings of the aristocracy. Commoners lived outside the core of the settlement. Massive retaining walls supported the earth-filled platforms on which the wealthy and powerful erected their dwellings. Hematite and graphite were used in the decoration of walls and ornaments. The northern end is a Hill Complex which served as the royal enclosure. A small royal treasury was uncovered at the of the three-step stairway leading to a semicircular hut platform. The main passage leading to this hut clearly once supported a daga roof, and the supports are still standing. The scattered ruins of Southern Khami contain several interesting sites; the Vlei platforms which are believed to have served as cattle kraals. Nearby is the mujejeje, a resonant stone which rings like a bell when struck. The beautifully decorated six-meter-high 60-meter-long retaining wall of the Precipice Platform, bears a checkerboard design along its entire length. Khami's community flourished until Mzilikazi's invading Ndebele people occupied it at in the lasted 1830s. Thereafter the citadel was held as a 'royal preserve' - sacred ground and secret place, hidden from prying European eyes - until 1893 when Lobengula fled from advancing settler columns. It was left exposed to the 'legalised' looters of the Rhodesia Ancient Ruins Company. Ref. Deanna Swaney / The Author
	Web Resources
	Credits	SWANEY Deanna, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia (1995) Other pictures courtesy of 'Borrowdale Dan'
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