MKN001

The site consists of various walls constructed with local, flat sandstone, without any form ofcement. These flat stones where stacked in a double row and the space between these rowsinfilled with smaller stones. The two rows of walling taper out at the top resulting in a broaderbase and narrower top. This resulted in a sturdier construction. No evidence of foundationswas found. The overall shape of the stonewalled portion of the site is that of an oval. Theaverage length of the stonewalled area is approximately 55 m and its width are 30m. It consistsof an “outer wall” and internal walling that separates the internal space into separate spaces.The center of the settlement spans the top of a hill where evidence of a large residential depositcan still be seen. The chief’s enclosure (muzinda) was built on top of a knoll at the eastern end(Huffman & Hamish 1986). It is in this internal space that the suggested grave of Makahanecan be found.The front of this area faces west, while long U-shaped walls form the back. This back area isin an equivalent position to the Eastern Enclosure at Great Zimbabwe, where several soapstonebirds were found. In Shona cosmology the east is associated with sacred activities, and thiseast back area can be identified as the site of rituals involving royal ancestors. According toShona custom, areas such as these should contain at least one hut for the chief's drums andother sacred objects, a second hut for brewing ritual beer, and space for the congregation.