Nalatale

	Nalatale
Click link on thumbnail. More images...!	Location	Gweru, (50km South-east)
	Designers	The Torwa people
	Date	Early 17th century
	Original Client	Torwa State, (cast off from Munhumutapa empire)
	Style	Stone masonry
	Discussion	The Torwa state is thought to have risen from the declining Great Zimbabwe culture further east, improving upon its architecture and material culture. Nalatale is one of three (Bila and Zinjanja the others) sub-states that evolved in this area. Although smaller and less elaborate than Great Zimbabwe, Nalatale rates among the more articulate of Zimbabwe's 150 walled ruins. A simple structure on a remote hilltop, it enjoys a commanding view across the hills, plains and kopjes of Somabhula Flats. The main feature, a decorated wall, exhibited all the primary decorative patterns found in Zimbabwe: chevron, chequer, cord, herring bone and ironstone. The original wall was topped by 9 plinths but only haphazardly constructed ones remain. In the centre of the roughly elliptical complex are the remains of the principal hut, presumed to have belonged to the Torwa king. Its walls radiate from the main complex like spokes of a wheel. All other huts are at least two meters lower. Nalatale probably served as the Torwa capital during the early 17th century. It's thought to have fallen to the Rozvi state in the 1680s. Ref. Deanna Swaney
	Web Resources
	Credits	SWANEY Deanna, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia (1995)
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