Family Narratives
As part of our Black History Month project “Family Narratives” I shared with the pupils in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 a part of my family history – my mother was Zimbabwean and I have many fond memories of travelling to Zimbabwe to spend time with my grandfather, uncle and cousins. In particular our visits to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins stand out.
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are one of Africa’s most fascinating, historical sites. Imagine a sprawling stone city, built entirely without mortar, rising out of the green, hilly terrain. These ruins date back to between the 11th and 15th centuries, and they are the remnants of what was once a thriving community and probably a major trade and travel hub. It is believed that the people who built these incredible stone structures were part of the Shona culture.
Amongst the lofty walls were eight sculptures of a bird which has become synonymous with Zimbabwe. The image of which can now be seen on the Zimbabwean flag and currency. They were carved out of soapstone, with each bird perched on top of a column.
Although we do not have, and probably won’t ever have, clarity on the symbolism and origin of this bird image, it is believed to have been a spiritual symbol for the people who lived in Great Zimbabwe. Some historians think they might represent the connection between the living and their ancestors, linking the earthly realm with the spiritual world.
I was proud to show the pupils the little carved soapstone Zimbabwean bird that I have and have treasured for the last 30 years as a connection to my mother and grandfather. And I am proud that in some way these magnificent ruins are part of my family narrative.
Mrs Goodfellow at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
The more modern history about these ruins contains a number of issues and it is right that these are rectified. Many European explorers considered themselves to have “discovered” the ruins in the 19th century and there was resistance to attributing these impressive structures to the African people. A number of alternatives were proposed suggesting everyone from the Phoenicians to the Queen of Sheba built Great Zimbabwe. Thankfully, those ideas have long been debunked, and it’s now fully recognised as an impressive achievement of African ingenuity.
Today, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they stand as a testament to the incredible history and craftsmanship of southern Africa.
It’s a blessing to reflect and we hope you enjoying doing so into the half-term.
Have a lovely two weeks.
Alice Goodfellow
