Art is often regarded as luxury and the discipline is relegated to the people who viewed highly as sufering from mental insanity and is a noble profession.
Art is not a luxury but a necessity , from a very young age to think critically and to adults to use their hands in making artworks for sale.Art is more critical ,for developing artistic skills in growing children as they are being prepared for the very real possibility of taking art as a profession.And for inspired Artists to make a decent living from their profession. Some artists become part of the informal sector benefit from an ability to make products based on their cultural backgrounds and their skillful hands.
Since independence 30 years ago Zimbabwean Art was delineated along lines of talented artists. Art was taken as a profession of the very few and the rest of schools only allowed to teach craft in conformity to its general complexity. Which geared for producing semi-skilled labour. Although the education systems improved to some extent in the education of the majority since independence. Art is still maginalised up to today. The ministry of education sports ,arts and culture is not yet developed a tertiary visual arts syllabus to cater for those who need to further their own artistic skills.
The main goal of tertiary visual arts is to develop aesthetic literacy of the adult . Prior to making art the child should understand what is art and its various functions. Hence this embraces the knowledge and understanding of art and aesthetics in the development of critical faculties which foster analysis of the art of individual and others.Art form that gives primacy to an idea over craftmanship.
French artist and theorist Marcel Duchamp(1887-1968) the ideas of conceptual art,emphasising the elimination of objects as marketable products.The likes of Tashinga Gondo are the other skilled visual artists Zimbabwe is proud of simply by making art products on the international markets. There are prominant Zimbabwean artists who proved beyond any reasonable doubt that there is need to formalise art education in Zimbabwe from primary school,secondary up to tertiary level.To have more artists in sector. The likes Tapfuma Gutsa, Nicholas Mukombaranwa ,Dominic Benhura , Egnes Nyanhungo and the list is too large to mention.
The other elite group which comprises of Celia Winter -Irving ,Tom Blomefield ,Dr Frank Mckwen ,Father Groeber ,Edward Canon Patterson and so on, are the pioneers who shade light to the mordern Art as of prime necessity in any state and Zimbabwe in particular for its cultural Artistic beliefs , activities and products.
These days we have more sophisticated understanding of the world around us ,than the last 50 years or so where on world was not yet developed in information technology. Visual literacy ,stimuli and exposure to media based technology brings about artistic expression and response to the needs of visual Art framework.
The education policy should look forward not only to teach the history of own country ,but should put more emphasis on learning of arts and its cultural beliefs.
The only unique way of teaching arts and cultural aspects successfully, is through public education. This help to know our children better and shapern the other sectors of economy which is art industry.
The ideal place to educate public is in the schools near their communities.
A lack of general formal education made aspects of visual arts appropriate for any prospective artists. However for variety of reasons which had nothing to do with any form art we easily need to have visual artists.There is always a link between informal and formal art education .
From the onset the teachers and the children should show art as a means of making a living,thus establishing a relationship between art and the society.
The direction of early artists ,a genuine belief in spiritual beliefs for the systems of the real world as visualised in art become a tradition of those view the success of artistic sector in economic sense.
In this computer and internet age there are increasing employment opportunities for artist in particular fields of graphic desigh,web design and advertising industry. Art as a curricular subject is gaining its awareness of its importance in all civilised disciplines of communication technology.
In Zimbabwe art sector fully need to develop artists who can start from priortising it in its education system and cultural backgrounds which can nurture and perfect those with talents in art as far as visual art sector is concerned!!
Showing posts with label zimbabwe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zimbabwe. Show all posts
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A taste of Zimbabwe Foods!
While walking down along Harare streets in ,Zimbabwe you meet typical Africans walk up and down the streets.In the restaurants and open-air chefs there are preparing typical dishes of Zimbabwe cuisine.After filling your nose with the tantalizing odors and eyes with the appealing colours ,you might be tempted to taste the succulent food.
The appeal of Zimbabwe food originates from a mix of carefully chosen herbs, roots, tubers,leaves and seeds.These produce a blend of sweet ,sour ,salty ,bitter and hot flavors and smells that make it very difficulty to walk without atleast taking a taste.The Zimbabweans comes with such an unusual cuisine because of the different social influences and and influence of colonial backgrounds.
The Zimbabwe cuisine is a product of different mix of international flavors, from chinese,Europeans,American and other travellers from the far east, middle east and others.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in the central part of southern Africa .The plateau between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.The travellers across the globe brought the foods of their homelands with them ,and the tastes and aromas of all those different vituals have remained in Zimbabwe.
According to the history , traders from India showed the Bantu of the Mutapa empire how to use curry when cooking.The Bantu people is the major African race to occupy the Zimbabwe around the 8th century. In the 14th century the Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought chilies ,peppers,corn ,rape, cabbage ,onions and tomatoes to the Bantu People.Today , the cuisine of Zimbabwe is very extensive , but most of Zimbabwean meals include a variety of yellow and red chilies with curry pastes of the same colours.This mixture of curry and chillies gives the Zimbabwean cuisine the rich flavors characteristic of foods from typical African cuisine.
A typical Zimbabwean meal consists of different dishes ,which may include soup,salad,stirfry,curry and dipping sauces.The stiff porridge of corn is always on the table.Then there is dessert ,which may include sweets based on sugar and eggs.The barbaqued beef , fried or boiled potatoes ,cheese and milk are also part of sweet side of Zimbabwean cookings.
A key to good food anywhere is fresh ingredients and in Zimbabwe these are often right around the corner.In the cities and towns ,market produce sell fresh fruits ,vegetables ,fish, and such spices as lemon grass,coriander ,garlic,ginger ,galangal,tamarind,barbaque, and cumin.At such markets you will also select plenty of hot chilies and limes ,which are a big part of Zimbabwe food.
When visiting Zimbabwe to taste these foods try to eat the beef stews,hot and sour shrimp soup ,roasted mutton ,the game meet that is specialty of Zimbabwe.Other good choices are spicy papaya salad ,glass noodles ,white Thai rice with roasted chicken or duck,shredded pork ,or marinated fish.The peanuts heaped on fresh pineapple and garnished with red chilies and coriander leaves.To add more to your deliciuos meal ,a dessert of sticky Thai rice with coconut milk and mangoes.
The best way of eating Zimbabwean food , according to their traditional customs is using fingers to press. The specially prepared stiff porridge into balls ,which then dipped into sauces and pop into your mouth.When eating noodles dishes ,you may prefer to use chopsticks .But if the chopsticks leave you fumbling ,you can always resort to using a fork and a knife or spoon.The Thai rice ,potatoes, saphagattes are getting popular in Zimbabwe.
By now you had developed an appetite to enjoy the Zimbabwean cuisine .The delicacies of this beautiful African country may open up a world of tastes you haven't yet explored !!!
The appeal of Zimbabwe food originates from a mix of carefully chosen herbs, roots, tubers,leaves and seeds.These produce a blend of sweet ,sour ,salty ,bitter and hot flavors and smells that make it very difficulty to walk without atleast taking a taste.The Zimbabweans comes with such an unusual cuisine because of the different social influences and and influence of colonial backgrounds.
The Zimbabwe cuisine is a product of different mix of international flavors, from chinese,Europeans,American and other travellers from the far east, middle east and others.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in the central part of southern Africa .The plateau between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.The travellers across the globe brought the foods of their homelands with them ,and the tastes and aromas of all those different vituals have remained in Zimbabwe.
According to the history , traders from India showed the Bantu of the Mutapa empire how to use curry when cooking.The Bantu people is the major African race to occupy the Zimbabwe around the 8th century. In the 14th century the Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought chilies ,peppers,corn ,rape, cabbage ,onions and tomatoes to the Bantu People.Today , the cuisine of Zimbabwe is very extensive , but most of Zimbabwean meals include a variety of yellow and red chilies with curry pastes of the same colours.This mixture of curry and chillies gives the Zimbabwean cuisine the rich flavors characteristic of foods from typical African cuisine.
A typical Zimbabwean meal consists of different dishes ,which may include soup,salad,stirfry,curry and dipping sauces.The stiff porridge of corn is always on the table.Then there is dessert ,which may include sweets based on sugar and eggs.The barbaqued beef , fried or boiled potatoes ,cheese and milk are also part of sweet side of Zimbabwean cookings.
A key to good food anywhere is fresh ingredients and in Zimbabwe these are often right around the corner.In the cities and towns ,market produce sell fresh fruits ,vegetables ,fish, and such spices as lemon grass,coriander ,garlic,ginger ,galangal,tamarind,barbaque, and cumin.At such markets you will also select plenty of hot chilies and limes ,which are a big part of Zimbabwe food.
When visiting Zimbabwe to taste these foods try to eat the beef stews,hot and sour shrimp soup ,roasted mutton ,the game meet that is specialty of Zimbabwe.Other good choices are spicy papaya salad ,glass noodles ,white Thai rice with roasted chicken or duck,shredded pork ,or marinated fish.The peanuts heaped on fresh pineapple and garnished with red chilies and coriander leaves.To add more to your deliciuos meal ,a dessert of sticky Thai rice with coconut milk and mangoes.
The best way of eating Zimbabwean food , according to their traditional customs is using fingers to press. The specially prepared stiff porridge into balls ,which then dipped into sauces and pop into your mouth.When eating noodles dishes ,you may prefer to use chopsticks .But if the chopsticks leave you fumbling ,you can always resort to using a fork and a knife or spoon.The Thai rice ,potatoes, saphagattes are getting popular in Zimbabwe.
By now you had developed an appetite to enjoy the Zimbabwean cuisine .The delicacies of this beautiful African country may open up a world of tastes you haven't yet explored !!!
Traditional Pottery in Zimbabwe
The use of clay as media in making pots was a craft started long back as the pots were used for cooking and decorative purposes in this article in belief we are going to focus on pottery in Zimbabwe.
Gale (1977)defines pottery as a collective term that may be used to describe anything made out of clay which has be fired and heated through a certain temperature.
Historical background of pottery in Zimbabwe dates back to several thousand of years ago infact in the early settlement and the beginnings of using fire.
It was an essential part of Zimbabwe's material culture which can evidently traced through the various traditions discovered through archeological excavations.
Pots used in various ocassions and purposes such as gifts,to hold grains ,water ,preparation of food ,brewing of beer and so on.The decoration of kitchens were made colourful and beautiful by the use of pottery.
Archeologists are able to identify people
by findings of pottery which show distinctive decorations of particular cultures.Variations of these designs for example incessions ,cross hatching ,stamps ,chevrons etc. These occur right through lend distinctive characters to Zimbabwe pottery.
However with the emergence of colour the decorative qualities appeared to have decline leading to the introduction of mass production of durable container vessels of all types.This implies that although the traditional craft was still practiced ,the fine qualities of the past was disappearing for example of the old craft have been superceded by some chevron decorations applied with modern paints.
Manufacture of traditonal pots was practiced by women who were the main decorators of kitchens and other household rooms,prepared food ,gathering food and brewing beer.
The clay was collected from specific layers which occur in the sub soils.The dry clay must be grounded into fine powder and this normally done on a flat grinding stone.After sifting with winnowing basket.The dry powder left behind was mixed with water and was ready for pottery.
A circular platform was used as a base for the pot which was built up in a series of coils.A wooden shaping tool was used to help to shape the pot into the required size and form,If the pot was to be decorated it would be incisized with a pointed object before it dry.The finished pot will be stored in a cool dry place for 48 hours before being given the final smoothing with a rounded river pebble which known as "hurungudo" in vernacular chishona dialect.This polishing process gives the vessel a shining surface .
A final drying process now takes place and the pot was left in the sun for 12 hours .On the 4th day firing takes place.Pots are placed on top of each other,mouth down in a hallow.
Gale (1977)defines pottery as a collective term that may be used to describe anything made out of clay which has be fired and heated through a certain temperature.
Historical background of pottery in Zimbabwe dates back to several thousand of years ago infact in the early settlement and the beginnings of using fire.
It was an essential part of Zimbabwe's material culture which can evidently traced through the various traditions discovered through archeological excavations.
Pots used in various ocassions and purposes such as gifts,to hold grains ,water ,preparation of food ,brewing of beer and so on.The decoration of kitchens were made colourful and beautiful by the use of pottery.
Archeologists are able to identify people
by findings of pottery which show distinctive decorations of particular cultures.Variations of these designs for example incessions ,cross hatching ,stamps ,chevrons etc. These occur right through lend distinctive characters to Zimbabwe pottery.
However with the emergence of colour the decorative qualities appeared to have decline leading to the introduction of mass production of durable container vessels of all types.This implies that although the traditional craft was still practiced ,the fine qualities of the past was disappearing for example of the old craft have been superceded by some chevron decorations applied with modern paints.
Manufacture of traditonal pots was practiced by women who were the main decorators of kitchens and other household rooms,prepared food ,gathering food and brewing beer.
The clay was collected from specific layers which occur in the sub soils.The dry clay must be grounded into fine powder and this normally done on a flat grinding stone.After sifting with winnowing basket.The dry powder left behind was mixed with water and was ready for pottery.
A circular platform was used as a base for the pot which was built up in a series of coils.A wooden shaping tool was used to help to shape the pot into the required size and form,If the pot was to be decorated it would be incisized with a pointed object before it dry.The finished pot will be stored in a cool dry place for 48 hours before being given the final smoothing with a rounded river pebble which known as "hurungudo" in vernacular chishona dialect.This polishing process gives the vessel a shining surface .
A final drying process now takes place and the pot was left in the sun for 12 hours .On the 4th day firing takes place.Pots are placed on top of each other,mouth down in a hallow.
WELCOME TO ZIMBABABWE'S HOT SPOTS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY!
One of the best ways to explore the culture, customs,and cuisine of a country is to visit country.
There you can observe the art of the local people,have a test of local food and buy their wares.The Zimbabwe is a country in southern part of AFRICA.Its unique ARTS such as sculpture,weaving,basketry ,paintings and drawings makes your effort to admire them.Come with me to visit a typical plateau between Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.
Zimbabwe a landlocked country in central southern Africa . Her neighbours are, to the south is South Africa,to the north is Zambia ,to the east is Mozambique and to the southwest and west is Botswana. The total area is 390 580 square kilometres.It is located between 15° and 22° south latitude and between 24° and 33° east longitude.
Most of international tourists come to Zimbabwe by air transport.
The National Parks and Game Reserves:
Through the board of national parks and wildlife .The good management of this board to ensure the animal species which are endangered by poachers to become extinct are well protected in the parks and game reserves.The major parks are Hwange,Gonarezhou,Nyanga ,Kariba and Manna pools . Animals found in these parks are elephants,Lion ,Kudu ,Entelope,giraffe,hynas,baboons ,Zebra and many others.
The popular game reserves are found near the major cities such as Mukuvisi woodlands in Harare,Imara in Marondera ,Cecil Kopje in Mutare ,Matopos in Bulawayo and snake world ,lion , cheetah parks and many others.
These game reserves contribute a much in making awareness that conservation is everyone 's business.In the offices the National Parks and wildlife department have shops catering for merchandise like African gifts ,curios,jewellery ,books,T-shirts ,bush clothing ,game meat and other items.
The main purpose of games is not only to attract tourists ,but to carry projects such as wildlife research,conservation and environmental educational programmes
In most of these parks,games found in the savanna woodlands interspersed with dambos and vleis.
Inaddition the total woodland areas are estimated at 12-16 million hectares.The woodlands are classified as :
•Miombo (Brachystegia/ julbernadlia)
•Teak (Baikiaea)
•Mopane(colophospermum mopane)
• Combretum,Terminalia and Acacia bush land.
The woodlands are found in rural areas ,protected (gazetted)forest areas and National parks including santuaries.The gazetted forests cover about 800 000 hectares and national parks take 2,5 million hectares.
The woodlands are the nature 's aesthetics which provide watershed protection and wildlife habitants and contribute to a large tourist industry.
The other products are construction timber,fuelwood ,grazing for all animals tamed and wild,edible and medicinal products.
Driving in Zimbabwe roads are still one of the best in Africa.Zimbabwe recognizes most visitors'domestic driving licences provided they are in English (or accompanied by an authorised translation).Otherwise an International Driving Licence with an attached photograph is required.When moving the motorist moving on the left side.The general speed limit in Zimbabwe is 120 kilometres per hour (km/hr) on open roads and 80 km/hr in other roads.The public transport speed limit is 80 km/hr on open roads and 60km/hr on other roads.In urban areas a speed limit of 60 km/hr must observed.
There are many companies who offer car rentals if visitors need to move alone whilst enjoying or doing business in the country.The tour operators also give good services when moving in all resorts areas.
Transportation is served by regular international flights .Most of the flights now ceased the Zimbabwe routes so its wise to connect with South Africa and then get the regional frights to Harare or Bulawayo.The domestic flight between Harare and victoria,Bulawayo ,Kariba are available and are served daily.
Shoping in Zimbabwe is now improving such that variety of mechandise is on sale.Shops open from 08:00 hrs until 17:00hrs during the working days and 08:00hrs to 13:00hrs on saturdays.They are closed on sundays and public holidays.Some shops now open daily till late.
There you can observe the art of the local people,have a test of local food and buy their wares.The Zimbabwe is a country in southern part of AFRICA.Its unique ARTS such as sculpture,weaving,basketry ,paintings and drawings makes your effort to admire them.Come with me to visit a typical plateau between Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.
Zimbabwe a landlocked country in central southern Africa . Her neighbours are, to the south is South Africa,to the north is Zambia ,to the east is Mozambique and to the southwest and west is Botswana. The total area is 390 580 square kilometres.It is located between 15° and 22° south latitude and between 24° and 33° east longitude.
Most of international tourists come to Zimbabwe by air transport.
The National Parks and Game Reserves:
Through the board of national parks and wildlife .The good management of this board to ensure the animal species which are endangered by poachers to become extinct are well protected in the parks and game reserves.The major parks are Hwange,Gonarezhou,Nyanga ,Kariba and Manna pools . Animals found in these parks are elephants,Lion ,Kudu ,Entelope,giraffe,hynas,baboons ,Zebra and many others.
The popular game reserves are found near the major cities such as Mukuvisi woodlands in Harare,Imara in Marondera ,Cecil Kopje in Mutare ,Matopos in Bulawayo and snake world ,lion , cheetah parks and many others.
These game reserves contribute a much in making awareness that conservation is everyone 's business.In the offices the National Parks and wildlife department have shops catering for merchandise like African gifts ,curios,jewellery ,books,T-shirts ,bush clothing ,game meat and other items.
The main purpose of games is not only to attract tourists ,but to carry projects such as wildlife research,conservation and environmental educational programmes
In most of these parks,games found in the savanna woodlands interspersed with dambos and vleis.
Inaddition the total woodland areas are estimated at 12-16 million hectares.The woodlands are classified as :
•Miombo (Brachystegia/ julbernadlia)
•Teak (Baikiaea)
•Mopane(colophospermum mopane)
• Combretum,Terminalia and Acacia bush land.
The woodlands are found in rural areas ,protected (gazetted)forest areas and National parks including santuaries.The gazetted forests cover about 800 000 hectares and national parks take 2,5 million hectares.
The woodlands are the nature 's aesthetics which provide watershed protection and wildlife habitants and contribute to a large tourist industry.
The other products are construction timber,fuelwood ,grazing for all animals tamed and wild,edible and medicinal products.
Driving in Zimbabwe roads are still one of the best in Africa.Zimbabwe recognizes most visitors'domestic driving licences provided they are in English (or accompanied by an authorised translation).Otherwise an International Driving Licence with an attached photograph is required.When moving the motorist moving on the left side.The general speed limit in Zimbabwe is 120 kilometres per hour (km/hr) on open roads and 80 km/hr in other roads.The public transport speed limit is 80 km/hr on open roads and 60km/hr on other roads.In urban areas a speed limit of 60 km/hr must observed.
There are many companies who offer car rentals if visitors need to move alone whilst enjoying or doing business in the country.The tour operators also give good services when moving in all resorts areas.
Transportation is served by regular international flights .Most of the flights now ceased the Zimbabwe routes so its wise to connect with South Africa and then get the regional frights to Harare or Bulawayo.The domestic flight between Harare and victoria,Bulawayo ,Kariba are available and are served daily.
Shoping in Zimbabwe is now improving such that variety of mechandise is on sale.Shops open from 08:00 hrs until 17:00hrs during the working days and 08:00hrs to 13:00hrs on saturdays.They are closed on sundays and public holidays.Some shops now open daily till late.
ZIMBABWE IS NOW A LUCRATIVE TOURIST DESTINATION
Tourism sector is now one of the business sectors registering growth in Zimbabwe.
According to the June 2010 report by issued by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority the tourism sector recorded 3% growth against the backdrop of 4,8% fall in global tourism November 2009 report.
Zimbabwe is gaining most of tourists despite the global financial crisis robbed the world since 2008.
Attributes to tourism booming in Zimbabwe range from the formation of inclusive government in 2009,the hosting of 2010 soccer world cup in African soil ,introduction of multiple currency in Zimbabwe of which the USDollar is the most circulating currency and many more.
The major international powerhouses Japan and United States of America contribute much to the survival and magnificent growth of tourism sector as they lift travel warnings to this country which is located in the central Southern Africa.The travel ban issued by European ,Asians and American powerhouses paralised the tourism industry in Zimbabwe for over a decade and lead to the collapse of her economy until Zimbabwe currency fails far short of being recognised as a currency even by its own citizens.
The majority of tourists visited in Zimbabwe recently are middle and higher income earners . They main purpose is for sightseeing and seeking business opportunities.
Zimbabwe has top seven wonders of world ,game viewing and historical monuments which interest visitors for the best of their money. The major tourists destinations include the might victorial falls,Great Zimbabwe,serinity background of the little England in the Eastern Highlands and numerous game parks scattered right round the plateau of central southern jewel of Africa.
The wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe is one of the best which include seeing the big three, lions,elephants ,bufallows and other animals like hynas ,giraffes,zebras,hyppotumus and many more plain animals.
Zimbabweans are also recognised for their sculptures and other crafts which include basketry,textiles,paintings and drawings .
If you visited these sectors you will obviously part with your cash buying one of the best sculptures or crafts only found in this part of Africa.
The business seekers can make joint ventures in businesses with the local business people .The principals of inclusive government at world economic forum and other international foral acknowledged to the world investors to establish their businesses in Zimbabwe.
Mining sector is one of the open business opportunity where the investors can invest in chrome,copper,iron,platinum,diamond,methene gas,coal ,gold and many more.
The available accomodation range from five star hotels ,park lodges and scattered guest lodges which are suitable even to low income earners.
Do you wish to visit Zimbabwe as a tourist ,don't worry Zimbabwe is one of the peaceful loving culture so we welcome you in honest and hospitable way.
According to the June 2010 report by issued by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority the tourism sector recorded 3% growth against the backdrop of 4,8% fall in global tourism November 2009 report.
Zimbabwe is gaining most of tourists despite the global financial crisis robbed the world since 2008.
Attributes to tourism booming in Zimbabwe range from the formation of inclusive government in 2009,the hosting of 2010 soccer world cup in African soil ,introduction of multiple currency in Zimbabwe of which the USDollar is the most circulating currency and many more.
The major international powerhouses Japan and United States of America contribute much to the survival and magnificent growth of tourism sector as they lift travel warnings to this country which is located in the central Southern Africa.The travel ban issued by European ,Asians and American powerhouses paralised the tourism industry in Zimbabwe for over a decade and lead to the collapse of her economy until Zimbabwe currency fails far short of being recognised as a currency even by its own citizens.
The majority of tourists visited in Zimbabwe recently are middle and higher income earners . They main purpose is for sightseeing and seeking business opportunities.
Zimbabwe has top seven wonders of world ,game viewing and historical monuments which interest visitors for the best of their money. The major tourists destinations include the might victorial falls,Great Zimbabwe,serinity background of the little England in the Eastern Highlands and numerous game parks scattered right round the plateau of central southern jewel of Africa.
The wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe is one of the best which include seeing the big three, lions,elephants ,bufallows and other animals like hynas ,giraffes,zebras,hyppotumus and many more plain animals.
Zimbabweans are also recognised for their sculptures and other crafts which include basketry,textiles,paintings and drawings .
If you visited these sectors you will obviously part with your cash buying one of the best sculptures or crafts only found in this part of Africa.
The business seekers can make joint ventures in businesses with the local business people .The principals of inclusive government at world economic forum and other international foral acknowledged to the world investors to establish their businesses in Zimbabwe.
Mining sector is one of the open business opportunity where the investors can invest in chrome,copper,iron,platinum,diamond,methene gas,coal ,gold and many more.
The available accomodation range from five star hotels ,park lodges and scattered guest lodges which are suitable even to low income earners.
Do you wish to visit Zimbabwe as a tourist ,don't worry Zimbabwe is one of the peaceful loving culture so we welcome you in honest and hospitable way.
LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC GROUPS,GOVERNMENT,POLITICAL SYSTEMS AND JUDICATURE IN ZIMBABWE
English is still the major language spoken in business ,The other official languages are Chishona and Sindebele.
All schools in Zimbabwe teach English and chishona mostly taught in Mashonaland,Masvingo,Midlands and Manicaland provinces,whilst Sindebele taught in Matebeleland provinces.About 90% of the Zimbabweans are Bantu people which split into various ethnic groups of different backgrounds and ethnic dialects.
The other 10% comprises the Europeans ,Asians,Americans and the mixed races.
GOVERNMENT:As a result of the desputed election of 2008 ,Zimbabwe is now governed by three major political parties which are represented in the parliament.The parties are ZANU PF and MDC formations.Since 18 April 1980 the Republic of Zimbabwe gained full international recognition as a sovereign state.Since 2000 until 2009 Zimbabwe suffered international isolation because of disputed agrarian land reform and controversial elections which led to being sanctioned by the world powerful states as a way of honoring treaties and universal human rights they accused not being observed.The isolation has since abondoned after the formation of all inclusive government in February 2009.Although there are still many strides needs to be taken by the world powerhouses to completely remove the sanctions which some refer it as restrictive measures in both political and business environments.
Zimbabwe is a member of international bodies ,UN,WORLD BANK,IMF and regional organisation AU,SADC,COMESA.
POLITICAL SYSTEMS:The legislature of Zimbabwe consists of the President,Prime minister and bicameral Parliament.
The President is the head of state,government and commander-in-chief of the defence forces.
The president chairs cabinet of ministers , declares peace and war.
The Prime minister is the head of ministers and chairs the council of ministers.
Both the president and prime minister work in consultation with each other in government duties.The prime minister reports to the president on the daily activities of the government and is the vice chairperson of cabinet.
Parliament consists of 210 members who elected on the common roll in 210 constituencies.The Speaker of parliement conduct the sessions of the assembly whilst all the administrative duties lies with the clerk of parliment.
The upper house is the senate which consists of 60 members elected also through public ballot to represent their sanatorial constituencies.The senate president is the leader of senate ,who elected by senators.
The 10 governors are appinted by the president to represent 10 provinces and are members of parliament.The president of traditional chiefs is also a member of parliament and is elected by the chiefs' council.
There are parliamentary select commitees with powers of scrutiny over legislation .The president,members of parliament has a maximum life of five years after which are automatically dissolved and harmonised elections held which also include councillors to run the local city and rural councils.The elections are conducted by a commission called Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Currently Zimbabweans are writing their own constitution to replace both 1979 Lancaster house and 2008 Global Political Agreements.
THE JUDICATURE:Zimbabwe has a supreme court and a High Court.The High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters and such other jurisdiction as is conferred on it.
The attoney general is the government's legal office which monitors the justice in the country.
The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal and the Chief Justice sits in this court.
The chief Justice who is the head of the judiciary and Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president in consultation with the Judiciary Service Commission and the Prime Minister.
The High court has appellate jurisdiction and can hear at first instance ,cases concerning the infringement of Human rights in accordance of UN Declaration of Human rights.
All schools in Zimbabwe teach English and chishona mostly taught in Mashonaland,Masvingo,Midlands and Manicaland provinces,whilst Sindebele taught in Matebeleland provinces.About 90% of the Zimbabweans are Bantu people which split into various ethnic groups of different backgrounds and ethnic dialects.
The other 10% comprises the Europeans ,Asians,Americans and the mixed races.
GOVERNMENT:As a result of the desputed election of 2008 ,Zimbabwe is now governed by three major political parties which are represented in the parliament.The parties are ZANU PF and MDC formations.Since 18 April 1980 the Republic of Zimbabwe gained full international recognition as a sovereign state.Since 2000 until 2009 Zimbabwe suffered international isolation because of disputed agrarian land reform and controversial elections which led to being sanctioned by the world powerful states as a way of honoring treaties and universal human rights they accused not being observed.The isolation has since abondoned after the formation of all inclusive government in February 2009.Although there are still many strides needs to be taken by the world powerhouses to completely remove the sanctions which some refer it as restrictive measures in both political and business environments.
Zimbabwe is a member of international bodies ,UN,WORLD BANK,IMF and regional organisation AU,SADC,COMESA.
POLITICAL SYSTEMS:The legislature of Zimbabwe consists of the President,Prime minister and bicameral Parliament.
The President is the head of state,government and commander-in-chief of the defence forces.
The president chairs cabinet of ministers , declares peace and war.
The Prime minister is the head of ministers and chairs the council of ministers.
Both the president and prime minister work in consultation with each other in government duties.The prime minister reports to the president on the daily activities of the government and is the vice chairperson of cabinet.
Parliament consists of 210 members who elected on the common roll in 210 constituencies.The Speaker of parliement conduct the sessions of the assembly whilst all the administrative duties lies with the clerk of parliment.
The upper house is the senate which consists of 60 members elected also through public ballot to represent their sanatorial constituencies.The senate president is the leader of senate ,who elected by senators.
The 10 governors are appinted by the president to represent 10 provinces and are members of parliament.The president of traditional chiefs is also a member of parliament and is elected by the chiefs' council.
There are parliamentary select commitees with powers of scrutiny over legislation .The president,members of parliament has a maximum life of five years after which are automatically dissolved and harmonised elections held which also include councillors to run the local city and rural councils.The elections are conducted by a commission called Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Currently Zimbabweans are writing their own constitution to replace both 1979 Lancaster house and 2008 Global Political Agreements.
THE JUDICATURE:Zimbabwe has a supreme court and a High Court.The High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters and such other jurisdiction as is conferred on it.
The attoney general is the government's legal office which monitors the justice in the country.
The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal and the Chief Justice sits in this court.
The chief Justice who is the head of the judiciary and Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president in consultation with the Judiciary Service Commission and the Prime Minister.
The High court has appellate jurisdiction and can hear at first instance ,cases concerning the infringement of Human rights in accordance of UN Declaration of Human rights.
ZIMBABWE'S CULTURE AND EDUCATION ON LANGUAGE ISSUE!
Zimbabwe's culture as a national culture is trick , since it has a lot of external influence by virtue of its history pre-colonial ,colonial and post colonial era.
Culture is basically the thinking and doing of people. It comparises the dressing styles, art ,history ,craft ,philosophy ,architecture ,customs ,music ,drama ,codes of behaviour eating habits ,transport and language.
Culture is influenced by external and internal factors.It appears to be static ,but because of influenced by environment it is dynamic.
Zimbabwe 's National Cultural Policy objective 14:Promote the African language inorder to make them effective tools in the country's socio-economic development." The African languages found in Zimbabwe are Chishona and its six dialects, Ndebele ,Venda, Tonga and Shangaan. Although there are great strides in promoting African languages in Education system.
English is the still the national language as shown by communication in the press media, electronic media,courts and law,schools and most official functions in government circles.
The fact is that Zimbabwean leaders that are political ,religious and educational are without option because the language gain it memondum since the colonial era and covers the whole nation despite different ethnic groups.
The idea of promoting vernacular language in Zimbabwe can only be done at a ethic community not as national since it can frustrated by modern African elite.
The actual facts to note is that numerous letters used to communicate are from English. To reach a wider audience one has to use English which is by far used to write education books ,stationery ,notices ,road signs into Chishona or Ndebele would be too expensive though nationalistic or patriotic a gesture! The use of any African vernacular is actually unnecessary and wasteful , since English is now not just a language of colonizers ,but also for Zimbabweans.
It is fully part of Zimbabwean culture which the Zimbabweans are actually cherish.
I also noted that the NGOs promoted our ethnic languages as they donate lot of money to print books in local language . SIDA, DFID,USAID ,IRISH AID the list is endless who contributed to promotion of African languages in formal education system.The English language is effectively used to disseminate information and there may have translations if the goal is to succeed.
When it comes to language I want to argue that we should not be over zealous or disproportionately proud of vernacular languages. But we should observe how influencing is our language in communication with others. Today there are so many people who are promoting their language on the internet. They are so many Zimbabweans in diaspora who want to communicate their languages everyday. And they are so many people who may also emulate Zimbabwean culture and want to learn to speak one of the local languages.
Let also learn from those countries colonised by Portugal. These are Mozambique and Angola their experiences where Portuguese has been used to unify the numerous ethnic groups. The Portuguese in these countries is spoken even by those people who never go to school and young children ,unlike in Zimbabwe where you have to go to school to speak and write in English. In Zimbabwean schools pupils are encouraged to communicate in English for better performance in external examinations. Zimbabweans are proud of English as it enhances learning in science and technology which are the hope of mankind to provide solutions in the social challenges and where computer and information technology is dominating.
On the national dress Zimbabwe culture is gradually formulating her own dress code .
Inconclusion I believe that external influences do not destroy a culture .Remember any social civilization develop rapidly through contact with other cultures and select the best in education system.By so doing we will even become more patriotic and honourable in promoting our country's culture and its education.
Culture is basically the thinking and doing of people. It comparises the dressing styles, art ,history ,craft ,philosophy ,architecture ,customs ,music ,drama ,codes of behaviour eating habits ,transport and language.
Culture is influenced by external and internal factors.It appears to be static ,but because of influenced by environment it is dynamic.
Zimbabwe 's National Cultural Policy objective 14:Promote the African language inorder to make them effective tools in the country's socio-economic development." The African languages found in Zimbabwe are Chishona and its six dialects, Ndebele ,Venda, Tonga and Shangaan. Although there are great strides in promoting African languages in Education system.
English is the still the national language as shown by communication in the press media, electronic media,courts and law,schools and most official functions in government circles.
The fact is that Zimbabwean leaders that are political ,religious and educational are without option because the language gain it memondum since the colonial era and covers the whole nation despite different ethnic groups.
The idea of promoting vernacular language in Zimbabwe can only be done at a ethic community not as national since it can frustrated by modern African elite.
The actual facts to note is that numerous letters used to communicate are from English. To reach a wider audience one has to use English which is by far used to write education books ,stationery ,notices ,road signs into Chishona or Ndebele would be too expensive though nationalistic or patriotic a gesture! The use of any African vernacular is actually unnecessary and wasteful , since English is now not just a language of colonizers ,but also for Zimbabweans.
It is fully part of Zimbabwean culture which the Zimbabweans are actually cherish.
I also noted that the NGOs promoted our ethnic languages as they donate lot of money to print books in local language . SIDA, DFID,USAID ,IRISH AID the list is endless who contributed to promotion of African languages in formal education system.The English language is effectively used to disseminate information and there may have translations if the goal is to succeed.
When it comes to language I want to argue that we should not be over zealous or disproportionately proud of vernacular languages. But we should observe how influencing is our language in communication with others. Today there are so many people who are promoting their language on the internet. They are so many Zimbabweans in diaspora who want to communicate their languages everyday. And they are so many people who may also emulate Zimbabwean culture and want to learn to speak one of the local languages.
Let also learn from those countries colonised by Portugal. These are Mozambique and Angola their experiences where Portuguese has been used to unify the numerous ethnic groups. The Portuguese in these countries is spoken even by those people who never go to school and young children ,unlike in Zimbabwe where you have to go to school to speak and write in English. In Zimbabwean schools pupils are encouraged to communicate in English for better performance in external examinations. Zimbabweans are proud of English as it enhances learning in science and technology which are the hope of mankind to provide solutions in the social challenges and where computer and information technology is dominating.
On the national dress Zimbabwe culture is gradually formulating her own dress code .
Inconclusion I believe that external influences do not destroy a culture .Remember any social civilization develop rapidly through contact with other cultures and select the best in education system.By so doing we will even become more patriotic and honourable in promoting our country's culture and its education.
HOW TO INVEST IN ZIMBABWEAN ART?
Art investment is a risk business.The ability to predict rarity and being able to foresee fashion changes.What may be good may change to be rubbish in future.
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN BUYING ART ITEMS?:
♦Don't buy a work of art just because a gallery is promoting it or the artist.
♦Don't buy a second imitation of a familiar piece.
♦Don't buy a work of art simply because the artist recently won a prize.
♦Don't buy a piece because the friends or neighbours bought one like it. And try to avoid buying at first sight.
WHAT TO DO?:
♥Buy the item that enhence the value of other items in life.♥A piece that fits your environment for example in a room,passage ,garden or a square.
♥A sculpture or painting can create harmonies in bedrooms, offices,public room anywhere, provided it is the right piece for the right place.
♥Be considerate of weight and durability.Wood,hard stone and metal are safer than soft stone.In colours bright colours cheer up the environment ,however they make the room smaller.
♥Soft colours sooth and have sense of space.
The choice is yours to choose a piece that will dominate or that will harmonise easily and make sure it has a strong solid base.
THE POWER OF THE THEME:Zimbabwean art tends to be abstract but with African dimension of universal themes.Abstract themes is making something from one 's mind and universal themes like dancing,spirit forms, love relationships hopefully have something to say to everyone and to anything in African context.Older people usually like peaceful simple forms or curves and some aroused by the need for simulation.
The good piece communicate something new to you every time you look at it.
THE KNOWLEDGE OF AN ARTIST. The information of an Artist do three things:
♦It enhence your personal enjoyment just because you have the background of the creator and the circumstances which build upto existence.
♦Able to make evaluations Artist and Art movement that will better placed discuss their pieces together with others from other countries.
♦You able to have assessment of Art's originality only after better placed in individual's work in contest for your friends and associates.
This will build mutual relationship with the collector.Artists from different countries share ideas.
The enthusiasms grows and then decides to have analysis of a ZIMBABWEAN ART. so that you have much more than a buyer or an investor.You may encouraged creative employment and helped many people in this drought-ridden region.
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN BUYING ART ITEMS?:
♦Don't buy a work of art just because a gallery is promoting it or the artist.
♦Don't buy a second imitation of a familiar piece.
♦Don't buy a work of art simply because the artist recently won a prize.
♦Don't buy a piece because the friends or neighbours bought one like it. And try to avoid buying at first sight.
WHAT TO DO?:
♥Buy the item that enhence the value of other items in life.♥A piece that fits your environment for example in a room,passage ,garden or a square.
♥A sculpture or painting can create harmonies in bedrooms, offices,public room anywhere, provided it is the right piece for the right place.
♥Be considerate of weight and durability.Wood,hard stone and metal are safer than soft stone.In colours bright colours cheer up the environment ,however they make the room smaller.
♥Soft colours sooth and have sense of space.
The choice is yours to choose a piece that will dominate or that will harmonise easily and make sure it has a strong solid base.
THE POWER OF THE THEME:Zimbabwean art tends to be abstract but with African dimension of universal themes.Abstract themes is making something from one 's mind and universal themes like dancing,spirit forms, love relationships hopefully have something to say to everyone and to anything in African context.Older people usually like peaceful simple forms or curves and some aroused by the need for simulation.
The good piece communicate something new to you every time you look at it.
THE KNOWLEDGE OF AN ARTIST. The information of an Artist do three things:
♦It enhence your personal enjoyment just because you have the background of the creator and the circumstances which build upto existence.
♦Able to make evaluations Artist and Art movement that will better placed discuss their pieces together with others from other countries.
♦You able to have assessment of Art's originality only after better placed in individual's work in contest for your friends and associates.
This will build mutual relationship with the collector.Artists from different countries share ideas.
The enthusiasms grows and then decides to have analysis of a ZIMBABWEAN ART. so that you have much more than a buyer or an investor.You may encouraged creative employment and helped many people in this drought-ridden region.
Birds in Zimbabwe:Swynnerton's robin, Cape batis and Stripechecked bulbul
Zimbabwe has over 620 bird species which offically recorded . The number is equal to bird species found in north American and Australia which is much much larger area as compared to Zimbabwe.According the bird expert Peter Ginn ,Zimbabwe's birds are relatively easily found if the observers visited their correct habitat.
Most of the birds found in highlands especially the eastern higlands where there is thick forests and evergreen vegetation.The other parts of the country where these birds species found are in msasa and mopane woodlands as well as in grasslands where birds are living and reproducing comfortably.
Swynnerton's robin:
Swynnerton 's robin is widespread in small patches in forests of eastern highlands ,particulary in Chipinge and Nyanga.
The birds are not easy to see because of not noisy and very small in size,Their distinctive sounds enables watchers to locate them especially during breeding season when they communicating with mates.
The birds usually don't migrate which help the watchers to easily spot its habitat.This is because they restricted by the presence of thickest.They usually found in areas where there is a fair amount of undergrowth.They move frequently on the ground hopping from twig to log and back on to the ground.Its main food is insects and berries.
Like warblers they build a deep cup-shaped nest which is large enough to cover the whole bird inside.
The nests are located in the middle of large mass of coarser material and are not easily seen.
Cape batis
This birds are found on higher elevations in highlands in Zimbabwe.Cape batis occur at sea level in Cape south Africa.
Usually this birds live in pairs in summer where oftenly paired adults have only one or two young ones.
The male has a black chest bar while the famale has rufous throat and chest.
Birds build a beatiful cup-shaped nest which is usually well covered lichen to camouflage it.The female incubats whilst firmly sits and the obsever can approach almost one metre without leaving the nest.
This is one of the birds produce a lot of sounds with a variety of pitches .Mostly one to three notes repeated many times.The sounds are clear communication to relatively small bird which could easily listen attentively ,when overlooked in the tall forests.
Stripechecked bulbul
These are somes called greenbuls because of their black plumage.This plumage is the comflouradge which makes it difficult to spot it when disappear in forest especially when foraging in scrub or bushes.
They usally make their nests in thick vegetation near pathways as they seek refuge from monkeys in forests.These paths are where human beings walk frequently which may avoid monkeys to distroy nests.
The nest is a fairy small neat cup of fine grass rootlets,decorated with fine fibrous material.Their nests are located low down approximately three metres above the ground.
I hope you left with many queries and general comments feel free to share with the writer.
Most of the birds found in highlands especially the eastern higlands where there is thick forests and evergreen vegetation.The other parts of the country where these birds species found are in msasa and mopane woodlands as well as in grasslands where birds are living and reproducing comfortably.
Swynnerton's robin:
Swynnerton 's robin is widespread in small patches in forests of eastern highlands ,particulary in Chipinge and Nyanga.
The birds are not easy to see because of not noisy and very small in size,Their distinctive sounds enables watchers to locate them especially during breeding season when they communicating with mates.
The birds usually don't migrate which help the watchers to easily spot its habitat.This is because they restricted by the presence of thickest.They usually found in areas where there is a fair amount of undergrowth.They move frequently on the ground hopping from twig to log and back on to the ground.Its main food is insects and berries.
Like warblers they build a deep cup-shaped nest which is large enough to cover the whole bird inside.
The nests are located in the middle of large mass of coarser material and are not easily seen.
Cape batis
This birds are found on higher elevations in highlands in Zimbabwe.Cape batis occur at sea level in Cape south Africa.
Usually this birds live in pairs in summer where oftenly paired adults have only one or two young ones.
The male has a black chest bar while the famale has rufous throat and chest.
Birds build a beatiful cup-shaped nest which is usually well covered lichen to camouflage it.The female incubats whilst firmly sits and the obsever can approach almost one metre without leaving the nest.
This is one of the birds produce a lot of sounds with a variety of pitches .Mostly one to three notes repeated many times.The sounds are clear communication to relatively small bird which could easily listen attentively ,when overlooked in the tall forests.
Stripechecked bulbul
These are somes called greenbuls because of their black plumage.This plumage is the comflouradge which makes it difficult to spot it when disappear in forest especially when foraging in scrub or bushes.
They usally make their nests in thick vegetation near pathways as they seek refuge from monkeys in forests.These paths are where human beings walk frequently which may avoid monkeys to distroy nests.
The nest is a fairy small neat cup of fine grass rootlets,decorated with fine fibrous material.Their nests are located low down approximately three metres above the ground.
I hope you left with many queries and general comments feel free to share with the writer.
The tree species which is popular in Zimbabwe and is a good source of food in famine seasons:Mobola Plum
Mobola plum or hissing tree species are popular in Zimbabwe for its important fruits as a source of food during the drought periods where rural villagers picked them to supplement their food shortages.During the height of Zimbabwean crisis in 2008 ,in various media there were reports of people kicked and killed by donkeys whilst competiting for these mobola plum fruits.
The botanical name of this tree species is called parinari curatellifolia and the chishona dialect named it Muhacha. Traditionally the shona people were said to go under this tree shade and kneed dowm as a way of worshipping to their ancestors to give them food. Even these days some villagers can do their traditional rituals of requesting rainfall from God through their ancestors under this tree shade.The unpleasent smell which is found when walking along this woodlands is not yet known where it come from although the botanists are still doing research on this tree.
The hissing tree as it commonly known by English speakers is a mushroom shaped tree of about 12 metres in height . The leaves are evergreen throughout the year spreading all over the tree.The characteristics of tree is found in sandy loamy soils in open deciduous woodlands and in zimbabwe the mobola plum trees are found everywhere except in limpopo and Zambezi valleys.
The barks are dark grey and rough when old ,but smooth yellowish covered with wooly hairs in small growing shoots.The older barks are used to tan hides. Traditional healers collect the fleshy barks and ground them into powder ,then soaked into water as they prepare a medicine to cure chest illness.
The leaves which are smooth edged ,slightly furry and not skinny veins are easy to see because of being evergreen even after some tree species shade its leaves in the woodlands.
Flowers are small white develop into a short ring ,furry head and ovary 2-chamberd . Frowers appear in July to October .The local shona people has an expression which says,"Totenda maruva tadya chakata" which simply means we give honour to the flower blosoms after the fruit ripens. This is usually because this hissing tree can have flowers and not produce fruits in some years. Usually during drought season this tree can produce a lot of fruits than other years.
The fruit is oval to round with a diameter range from 4- 10 cm and is russet -yellow ,greyish scaly and pitted. The fruit is edible when ripe ,their are delicious although cuttle dry. Fruits appear in October to January.
The villagers in different areas around the country can prepare fruits into a porridge or syrup drink. Mostly the local people believe that when there is a drought their ancestors make the muhacha tree to produce a lot of fruits to help the starving people to survive the next season.
The wood is light brown and very hard which is difficult to be attaked by wooden moths.The word hissing delived from the sound produced by saw when cutting this wood.The wood contains small crystals like tiny grains of sand which are very hard to work on by wood specialists. The wood is poor to use as a fire wood and again most of the local people believed it as a taboo to fetch it as a firewood because of its relationships and significance with the ancestral spirits. In dry poor woodlands in most of the rural residential places this is the only tree commonly found and it helps the people to predict their next summer seasons from how it is flowering and producing fruits to know the rainfall patterns. Usually they believed that if plenty of frowers and fruits produced it means drought which means they must conserve their previous produce to the next season.
The tree is one of the popular herbal medicine which mostly work according to your belief in the local ancestors and spirit mediums.Soaked roots in water for atleast an hour can treat diarrhoea and some burned the wood to produce smells for sending away bad spirits. The tree lovers can emulate is this mobola plum tree with its shade provides a good serenity to the environmental admirers.
The botanical name of this tree species is called parinari curatellifolia and the chishona dialect named it Muhacha. Traditionally the shona people were said to go under this tree shade and kneed dowm as a way of worshipping to their ancestors to give them food. Even these days some villagers can do their traditional rituals of requesting rainfall from God through their ancestors under this tree shade.The unpleasent smell which is found when walking along this woodlands is not yet known where it come from although the botanists are still doing research on this tree.
The hissing tree as it commonly known by English speakers is a mushroom shaped tree of about 12 metres in height . The leaves are evergreen throughout the year spreading all over the tree.The characteristics of tree is found in sandy loamy soils in open deciduous woodlands and in zimbabwe the mobola plum trees are found everywhere except in limpopo and Zambezi valleys.
The barks are dark grey and rough when old ,but smooth yellowish covered with wooly hairs in small growing shoots.The older barks are used to tan hides. Traditional healers collect the fleshy barks and ground them into powder ,then soaked into water as they prepare a medicine to cure chest illness.
The leaves which are smooth edged ,slightly furry and not skinny veins are easy to see because of being evergreen even after some tree species shade its leaves in the woodlands.
Flowers are small white develop into a short ring ,furry head and ovary 2-chamberd . Frowers appear in July to October .The local shona people has an expression which says,"Totenda maruva tadya chakata" which simply means we give honour to the flower blosoms after the fruit ripens. This is usually because this hissing tree can have flowers and not produce fruits in some years. Usually during drought season this tree can produce a lot of fruits than other years.
The fruit is oval to round with a diameter range from 4- 10 cm and is russet -yellow ,greyish scaly and pitted. The fruit is edible when ripe ,their are delicious although cuttle dry. Fruits appear in October to January.
The villagers in different areas around the country can prepare fruits into a porridge or syrup drink. Mostly the local people believe that when there is a drought their ancestors make the muhacha tree to produce a lot of fruits to help the starving people to survive the next season.
The wood is light brown and very hard which is difficult to be attaked by wooden moths.The word hissing delived from the sound produced by saw when cutting this wood.The wood contains small crystals like tiny grains of sand which are very hard to work on by wood specialists. The wood is poor to use as a fire wood and again most of the local people believed it as a taboo to fetch it as a firewood because of its relationships and significance with the ancestral spirits. In dry poor woodlands in most of the rural residential places this is the only tree commonly found and it helps the people to predict their next summer seasons from how it is flowering and producing fruits to know the rainfall patterns. Usually they believed that if plenty of frowers and fruits produced it means drought which means they must conserve their previous produce to the next season.
The tree is one of the popular herbal medicine which mostly work according to your belief in the local ancestors and spirit mediums.Soaked roots in water for atleast an hour can treat diarrhoea and some burned the wood to produce smells for sending away bad spirits. The tree lovers can emulate is this mobola plum tree with its shade provides a good serenity to the environmental admirers.
The tree species which is popular in Zimbabwe and is a good source of food in famine seasons:Mobola Plum
Mobola plum or hissing tree species are popular in Zimbabwe for its important fruits as a source of food during the drought periods where rural villagers picked them to supplement their food shortages.During the height of Zimbabwean crisis in 2008 ,in various media there were reports of people kicked and killed by donkeys whilst competiting for these mobola plum fruits.
The botanical name of this tree species is called parinari curatellifolia and the chishona dialect named it Muhacha. Traditionally the shona people were said to go under this tree shade and kneed dowm as a way of worshipping to their ancestors to give them food. Even these days some villagers can do their traditional rituals of requesting rainfall from God through their ancestors under this tree shade.The unpleasent smell which is found when walking along this woodlands is not yet known where it come from although the botanists are still doing research on this tree.
The hissing tree as it commonly known by English speakers is a mushroom shaped tree of about 12 metres in height . The leaves are evergreen throughout the year spreading all over the tree.The characteristics of tree is found in sandy loamy soils in open deciduous woodlands and in zimbabwe the mobola plum trees are found everywhere except in limpopo and Zambezi valleys.
The barks are dark grey and rough when old ,but smooth yellowish covered with wooly hairs in small growing shoots.The older barks are used to tan hides. Traditional healers collect the fleshy barks and ground them into powder ,then soaked into water as they prepare a medicine to cure chest illness.
The leaves which are smooth edged ,slightly furry and not skinny veins are easy to see because of being evergreen even after some tree species shade its leaves in the woodlands.
Flowers are small white develop into a short ring ,furry head and ovary 2-chamberd . Frowers appear in July to October .The local shona people has an expression which says,"Totenda maruva tadya chakata" which simply means we give honour to the flower blosoms after the fruit ripens. This is usually because this hissing tree can have flowers and not produce fruits in some years. Usually during drought season this tree can produce a lot of fruits than other years.
The fruit is oval to round with a diameter range from 4- 10 cm and is russet -yellow ,greyish scaly and pitted. The fruit is edible when ripe ,their are delicious although cuttle dry. Fruits appear in October to January.
The villagers in different areas around the country can prepare fruits into a porridge or syrup drink. Mostly the local people believe that when there is a drought their ancestors make the muhacha tree to produce a lot of fruits to help the starving people to survive the next season.
The wood is light brown and very hard which is difficult to be attaked by wooden moths.The word hissing delived from the sound produced by saw when cutting this wood.The wood contains small crystals like tiny grains of sand which are very hard to work on by wood specialists. The wood is poor to use as a fire wood and again most of the local people believed it as a taboo to fetch it as a firewood because of its relationships and significance with the ancestral spirits. In dry poor woodlands in most of the rural residential places this is the only tree commonly found and it helps the people to predict their next summer seasons from how it is flowering and producing fruits to know the rainfall patterns. Usually they believed that if plenty of frowers and fruits produced it means drought which means they must conserve their previous produce to the next season.
The tree is one of the popular herbal medicine which mostly work according to your belief in the local ancestors and spirit mediums.Soaked roots in water for atleast an hour can treat diarrhoea and some burned the wood to produce smells for sending away bad spirits. The tree lovers can emulate is this mobola plum tree with its shade provides a good serenity to the environmental admirers.
The botanical name of this tree species is called parinari curatellifolia and the chishona dialect named it Muhacha. Traditionally the shona people were said to go under this tree shade and kneed dowm as a way of worshipping to their ancestors to give them food. Even these days some villagers can do their traditional rituals of requesting rainfall from God through their ancestors under this tree shade.The unpleasent smell which is found when walking along this woodlands is not yet known where it come from although the botanists are still doing research on this tree.
The hissing tree as it commonly known by English speakers is a mushroom shaped tree of about 12 metres in height . The leaves are evergreen throughout the year spreading all over the tree.The characteristics of tree is found in sandy loamy soils in open deciduous woodlands and in zimbabwe the mobola plum trees are found everywhere except in limpopo and Zambezi valleys.
The barks are dark grey and rough when old ,but smooth yellowish covered with wooly hairs in small growing shoots.The older barks are used to tan hides. Traditional healers collect the fleshy barks and ground them into powder ,then soaked into water as they prepare a medicine to cure chest illness.
The leaves which are smooth edged ,slightly furry and not skinny veins are easy to see because of being evergreen even after some tree species shade its leaves in the woodlands.
Flowers are small white develop into a short ring ,furry head and ovary 2-chamberd . Frowers appear in July to October .The local shona people has an expression which says,"Totenda maruva tadya chakata" which simply means we give honour to the flower blosoms after the fruit ripens. This is usually because this hissing tree can have flowers and not produce fruits in some years. Usually during drought season this tree can produce a lot of fruits than other years.
The fruit is oval to round with a diameter range from 4- 10 cm and is russet -yellow ,greyish scaly and pitted. The fruit is edible when ripe ,their are delicious although cuttle dry. Fruits appear in October to January.
The villagers in different areas around the country can prepare fruits into a porridge or syrup drink. Mostly the local people believe that when there is a drought their ancestors make the muhacha tree to produce a lot of fruits to help the starving people to survive the next season.
The wood is light brown and very hard which is difficult to be attaked by wooden moths.The word hissing delived from the sound produced by saw when cutting this wood.The wood contains small crystals like tiny grains of sand which are very hard to work on by wood specialists. The wood is poor to use as a fire wood and again most of the local people believed it as a taboo to fetch it as a firewood because of its relationships and significance with the ancestral spirits. In dry poor woodlands in most of the rural residential places this is the only tree commonly found and it helps the people to predict their next summer seasons from how it is flowering and producing fruits to know the rainfall patterns. Usually they believed that if plenty of frowers and fruits produced it means drought which means they must conserve their previous produce to the next season.
The tree is one of the popular herbal medicine which mostly work according to your belief in the local ancestors and spirit mediums.Soaked roots in water for atleast an hour can treat diarrhoea and some burned the wood to produce smells for sending away bad spirits. The tree lovers can emulate is this mobola plum tree with its shade provides a good serenity to the environmental admirers.
Octopus Cabbage Tree in Zimbabwe
Tree species named cussonia kirkii , English word octopus cabbage tree.The local Zimbaweans in their own chishona dialect called it 'mufenje' is found in zimbabwe ,but densely populated in central parts of the country stretching from south to the north east along the zambezi valley.
The shona people usually has an expression which includes this tree which says "Mbudzi kudya mufenje hufananyina" This simply means a kid goat can just start eating this tree species as soon as it start browsing because the goats used to eat it without being taught or copying.
The use of this tree as a medicine is popularly talked about especially by the traditional healers ,but unfortunately they don't want to disclose this information to the public as their secret is essential for their trade to be valued by those patients who visited them seeking traditional treatments .
Some time ago the tree has no economical value to the local shona people until they discovered that its timber is good at making xylophone keys which t popularly known by locals as the 'marimba' for musicians.
The tree structure vary in size from 3-10 metres in height although the average height is 4-8metres.The tree looks untidy not very tall but bundy.In the bushes the species are found in rock areas occurring mostly in brachystegia woodlands.
The leaves are large and divided like a human hand fingers into five or more leaflets.Leaf stalk may be 30 cm long with or without very fine hairs.
Flowers yellowish-green small and reproduced on along twisty spikes. The spikes develop at the end of the branches.The octopus cabbage trees usually do frowering in september to November annually.
The fruit small ,purple and slightly fleshy almost spherical and thin.The fruit diameter range from 5-7mm when mature.They closely clustered along the axes.The fruits develop from November to January soon after the frowering season.
The barks light brown ,corky can easily cracked with a sharp knife can produce a liquid which is white in colour and is very attractive.
Most of the tourists who visited the game parks got a good serenity from this trees species and some tourists I talked with they said this tree is densely scattered in Manna pools along the Zambezi river and it provides good shade during the hot season. Above all its leaves are good sources of nutritious food for animals and domesticated goats.The Zimbawe National Parks and wild life run the campaigns to the local people to conserve these trees species which also can attract tourists when viewing wildlife in Zimbabwe.
The shona people usually has an expression which includes this tree which says "Mbudzi kudya mufenje hufananyina" This simply means a kid goat can just start eating this tree species as soon as it start browsing because the goats used to eat it without being taught or copying.
The use of this tree as a medicine is popularly talked about especially by the traditional healers ,but unfortunately they don't want to disclose this information to the public as their secret is essential for their trade to be valued by those patients who visited them seeking traditional treatments .
Some time ago the tree has no economical value to the local shona people until they discovered that its timber is good at making xylophone keys which t popularly known by locals as the 'marimba' for musicians.
The tree structure vary in size from 3-10 metres in height although the average height is 4-8metres.The tree looks untidy not very tall but bundy.In the bushes the species are found in rock areas occurring mostly in brachystegia woodlands.
The leaves are large and divided like a human hand fingers into five or more leaflets.Leaf stalk may be 30 cm long with or without very fine hairs.
Flowers yellowish-green small and reproduced on along twisty spikes. The spikes develop at the end of the branches.The octopus cabbage trees usually do frowering in september to November annually.
The fruit small ,purple and slightly fleshy almost spherical and thin.The fruit diameter range from 5-7mm when mature.They closely clustered along the axes.The fruits develop from November to January soon after the frowering season.
The barks light brown ,corky can easily cracked with a sharp knife can produce a liquid which is white in colour and is very attractive.
Most of the tourists who visited the game parks got a good serenity from this trees species and some tourists I talked with they said this tree is densely scattered in Manna pools along the Zambezi river and it provides good shade during the hot season. Above all its leaves are good sources of nutritious food for animals and domesticated goats.The Zimbawe National Parks and wild life run the campaigns to the local people to conserve these trees species which also can attract tourists when viewing wildlife in Zimbabwe.
Octopus Cabbage Tree in Zimbabwe
Tree species named cussonia kirkii , English word octopus cabbage tree.The local Zimbaweans in their own chishona dialect called it 'mufenje' is found in zimbabwe ,but densely populated in central parts of the country stretching from south to the north east along the zambezi valley.
The shona people usually has an expression which includes this tree which says "Mbudzi kudya mufenje hufananyina" This simply means a kid goat can just start eating this tree species as soon as it start browsing because the goats used to eat it without being taught or copying.
The use of this tree as a medicine is popularly talked about especially by the traditional healers ,but unfortunately they don't want to disclose this information to the public as their secret is essential for their trade to be valued by those patients who visited them seeking traditional treatments .
Some time ago the tree has no economical value to the local shona people until they discovered that its timber is good at making xylophone keys which t popularly known by locals as the 'marimba' for musicians.
The tree structure vary in size from 3-10 metres in height although the average height is 4-8metres.The tree looks untidy not very tall but bundy.In the bushes the species are found in rock areas occurring mostly in brachystegia woodlands.
The leaves are large and divided like a human hand fingers into five or more leaflets.Leaf stalk may be 30 cm long with or without very fine hairs.
Flowers yellowish-green small and reproduced on along twisty spikes. The spikes develop at the end of the branches.The octopus cabbage trees usually do frowering in september to November annually.
The fruit small ,purple and slightly fleshy almost spherical and thin.The fruit diameter range from 5-7mm when mature.They closely clustered along the axes.The fruits develop from November to January soon after the frowering season.
The barks light brown ,corky can easily cracked with a sharp knife can produce a liquid which is white in colour and is very attractive.
Most of the tourists who visited the game parks got a good serenity from this trees species and some tourists I talked with they said this tree is densely scattered in Manna pools along the Zambezi river and it provides good shade during the hot season. Above all its leaves are good sources of nutritious food for animals and domesticated goats.The Zimbawe National Parks and wild life run the campaigns to the local people to conserve these trees species which also can attract tourists when viewing wildlife in Zimbabwe.
The shona people usually has an expression which includes this tree which says "Mbudzi kudya mufenje hufananyina" This simply means a kid goat can just start eating this tree species as soon as it start browsing because the goats used to eat it without being taught or copying.
The use of this tree as a medicine is popularly talked about especially by the traditional healers ,but unfortunately they don't want to disclose this information to the public as their secret is essential for their trade to be valued by those patients who visited them seeking traditional treatments .
Some time ago the tree has no economical value to the local shona people until they discovered that its timber is good at making xylophone keys which t popularly known by locals as the 'marimba' for musicians.
The tree structure vary in size from 3-10 metres in height although the average height is 4-8metres.The tree looks untidy not very tall but bundy.In the bushes the species are found in rock areas occurring mostly in brachystegia woodlands.
The leaves are large and divided like a human hand fingers into five or more leaflets.Leaf stalk may be 30 cm long with or without very fine hairs.
Flowers yellowish-green small and reproduced on along twisty spikes. The spikes develop at the end of the branches.The octopus cabbage trees usually do frowering in september to November annually.
The fruit small ,purple and slightly fleshy almost spherical and thin.The fruit diameter range from 5-7mm when mature.They closely clustered along the axes.The fruits develop from November to January soon after the frowering season.
The barks light brown ,corky can easily cracked with a sharp knife can produce a liquid which is white in colour and is very attractive.
Most of the tourists who visited the game parks got a good serenity from this trees species and some tourists I talked with they said this tree is densely scattered in Manna pools along the Zambezi river and it provides good shade during the hot season. Above all its leaves are good sources of nutritious food for animals and domesticated goats.The Zimbawe National Parks and wild life run the campaigns to the local people to conserve these trees species which also can attract tourists when viewing wildlife in Zimbabwe.
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