peterSharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
WITH a large number of international tourists flocking to Zimbabwe to bask in its sunny environs far from the arctic regions characterised by cold temperatures, a good number cannot resist visiting the great architectural structures of the Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo. It is there where the country’s name is derived and international tourists have always marvelled at the magnificent monuments. Historians and archaeologists have shown an academic interest too with various narratives and descriptions having been thrown out. To locals however, the monuments are not just an imposing structure of granite of medieval importance in the history of Zimbabwe.
They mean something different to those around them and to a number of religious locals, some of whom go there to seek a reconnection with their history and to find spiritual fulfilment from the historical site. The Great Zimbabwe Monuments which is the cradle of Zimbabwean culture is still an important pilgrimage endowed with the both tangible and intangible heritage in which the country boosts its cultural and religious heritage.
According to the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), in the country there are more than 300 sites dotted around the country which are similar to the Great Zimbabwe and are also referred to as centres of spirituality.
The Great Zimbabwe, since the pre-colonial era has been a shrine for religious convergence and up to this day different groups have been converging at this cultural heritage site for religious practice, and other spiritual functions. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe Southern Region Director, Mr Lovemore Mandima, said the spiritual aspect of the monuments is very critical in the development of the country.
He said it is believed that during the country’s liberation struggle, those who were involved drew their spiritual guidance and inspiration from the World Heritage Site. “One of the critical cultural heritage factors which Great Zimbabwe is connected to is its spirituality. It is argued that religion played a very important role in the growth of the Great Zimbabwe. When we talk of religion, we are simply saying that the Great Zimbabwe was considered during its heydays to be a place where you would get blessings and spiritual guidance in various activities.
“During the execution of the liberation struggle it is argued that freedom fighters got their inspiration or spiritual guidance from the shrine. This is why if you go the Heroes Acre today you will see pillars called murals, the first mural has got an artistic impression of different things but one critical thing that you are going to identify on that mural are the traditional gadgets like pottery, they are simply signifying that indeed the liberation war fighters were guided by the spirits which they derived from shrines like Great Zimbabwe.”
He said the development that was launched where 3 million Euros was committed towards the documentation and conservation of tangible and intangible heritage, installation of interpretation and visitors’ facilities at the site was going to add value to the moments which were a World Heritage Site. The developments, he says, will not erode the cultural values which the monuments have.
“History told us that people used to travel from afar to come and pray to their gods at the Great Zimbabwe and to get assistance. There are different ways of praying and even today we still have several people from all corners of the country and the world who come to seek spiritual guidance at the Great Zimbabwe. Different groups come to do their prayers; some are from the Christian groups and some from cultural groups.”
His sentiments were in line with what President Mnangagwa said during the launch of the Great Zimbabwe Development Project where he emphasised the importance of Great Zimbabwe Monuments. He said people must be alive to the fact that the protracted armed struggle for independence revolved around the importance of the Great Zimbabwe Monument as the oppressive white minority regime had the intention of denying the Zimbabwean people of its ownership and authorship.
The President noted that the failed ploy to underplay the country’s fore-fathers’ creativity was realised through a protracted war of liberation. He said the monuments represented identity, governance, unity, and production that at one time revolved around the historical site.
“After all, this iconic monument bears a unique and undeniable testimony of the production, economic and in our culture and governance, system embedded civilisation. The unifying force that builds this great country emboldens us to work harder towards the realisation of our National Vision 2030. To this end, we will unapologetically invest in our local economy, our roads, dams, construct schools, clinics and hospitals, produce what we eat, manufacture our own clothes and safeguard our peace, unity and cultural heritage.”
He said that the singleness of purpose in safeguarding the shrine for the benefit of the country and for mankind should remain a priority as it remains the country’s source of pride, inspiration and a cradle of civilisation, rich heritage and culture bequeathed to the country by the fore fathers. “A people without knowledge of their history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots, hence, we are obligated to preserve our country’s diverse and rich cultural heritage. It is no coincidence therefore, that this monument was designated a national monument as well as a World Heritage Site. This epitaph of our nationhood possesses an outstanding universal value that transcends national boundaries and is indeed an embodiment of the rich African civilisation.
“To us in Zimbabwe, the monument is not only about its grandiose architecture but a revered national shrine and place of worship that symbolises our sacred cultural traditions and belief systems. To date, different groups have been converging at this cultural heritage site for religious and spiritual functions. Hence, the need to positively enhance the overarching originality and heritage integrity of this site,” said President Mnangagwa.
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