The DOI matches its Crossref record; 75 of the 80 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 154 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
Nyanga pottery and the Manyika ethnohistory: towards a decolonised archaeology of the Nyanga agricultural complex
Open accessAbstract
Ancient pottery from the Nyanga agricultural complex (CE 1300–1900) in north-eastern Zimbabwe enjoys more than a century of archaeological research. Though several studies dedicated to the pottery have expanded the frontiers of knowledge about the peopling of Bantu-speaking agropastoral societies in this part of southern Africa, we know little about the social context in which the pottery was made, distributed, used, and discarded in everyday life. This mostly comes from the fact that the majority of the ceramic studies undertaken were rooted in Eurocentric typological approaches to material culture hence these processes were elided by most researchers. As part of the decolonial turn in African archaeology geared at rethinking our current understanding of the everyday life of precolonial agropastoral societies, we explored the lifecycle of traditional pottery among the Manyika, one of the local communities historically connected to the Nyanga archaeological landscape. The study proffered new dimensions to the previous typological analyses. It revealed a range of everyday roles and cultural contexts that probably shaped the lifecycle of local pottery in ancient Nyanga.
Overview
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This paper uses Manyika ethnohistory and ethnography to reconstruct the social lifecycle of pottery in the Nyanga agricultural complex (CE 1300–1900), arguing that a decolonised, locally grounded approach reveals production, use, and discard contexts that typological ceramic studies elided. It finds that Manyika/Nyanga pottery was largely quotidian and undecorated, with functional classes tied to cooking, brewing, storage, ritual, and recycling.
Key findings
- Manyika pottery production was mainly by women, with skill transmitted through a “mother to daughter” mentorship cycle; clay (*dongo*) was sourced from streams and riverbanks, processed, shaped by coiling or pulling, sun-dried, rarely decorated, and fired in open fires for 20–120 min.
- Named vessel classes served everyday and ceremonial roles: *mukate/tsaiya* for *sadza*; *mbiya/chigapu* for relish; *gate/chikanga* and *mbiziro* for brewing *mhamba/magada*; *musudze/pfuko* for water/beer; *denhe* for grain storage (diameter 27–45 cm, height 40–100 cm, up to 30 litres; *gate* could hold up to 50 kg cereal); *nhera* for salt, fat, or spices.
- Pots were central to ceremonies such as rain petitioning, thanksgiving, funerals, *chenura*, and inheritance; ritual vessels may have had longer lifespans, were intentionally discarded at sacred hills/trees, buried with married women, or broken at crossroads, while sherds were reused as pans, chicken coops, dustpans, or animal feeders.
- Integrating this with archaeology, reconstructed Nyanga ware from sites such as Mkondwe, Murahwa, and Fishpit includes kitchenware with soot stains; large brewing/storage vessels contradict Summers’ claim that uplanders lacked them, and the rarity of decoration likely reflects quotidian use rather than incapacity to innovate.
Methods
- Archival study of published and unpublished accounts from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, National Archives of Zimbabwe, National Free Library of Zimbabwe, Africa University Kent M. Weeks History and Archives, and the University of Cape Town African Studies Library, including manuscripts, books, diaries, maps, photographs, reports, monographs, autobiographies, and journal articles.
- Ethnographic insights from elders of the Mutasa dynasty, including potters, plus indigenous experiences of team members; elders served as reviewers who verified and substantiated data, and colonial archive inconsistencies were cross-evaluated with other scholarly sources.
- The combined dataset was used to reconstruct the lifecycle of Manyika pottery from production to discard and to compare it with archaeological ceramics from the Nyanga agricultural complex.
Limitations
- The paper states that colonial archive sources had inconsistencies, that Manyika worldview and practices were subject to continuity and change, that conclusions should be substantiated by further ethnoarchaeological research, that residue analysis is needed to identify exact foods prepared in vessels, and that data on longevity, recycling, and discard patterns are insufficient.
- Evident from the text: the study relies heavily on ethnographic analogy and ethnohistory rather than new excavation, ceramic petrography, or clay-source testing, so many links to ancient Nyanga are presented as probabilities (“possibly,” “likely,” “high probability”).
- Also evident: intangible restrictions, taboos, and ritual meanings cannot be directly recovered archaeologically, and the authors describe the work as a work in progress.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
0 of 154 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingcitation
Most clay pot vessels used by the Manyika, regardless of function, are undecorated.
“Most of the clay pot vessels used by the Manyika, regardless of their functions, are undecorated.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data
The combined dataset produced an integrated perspective of the lifecycle of Manyika pottery from production to discard.
“Ultimately, the combined dataset produced an integrated perspective of the lifecycle of Manyika pottery that stretched from production to discard.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation
Occasional motifs on Manyika pottery include cross-hatched incisions, graphited triangles, chevron bands, single line, and oblique incisions, executed on body, shoulder, or neck.
“The occasional motifs (zvidziro in plural) include cross-hatched incisions, graphited triangles, chevron bands, single line, and oblique incisions which are executed on either of the body, shoulder or the neck of a vessel”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingcitation
Ethnohistorical sources on Manyika potters stress social connections between potters and their students as critical to mastery of the art.
“ethnohistorical sources on the Manyika potters stress social connections between potters and their students as critical to the mastery of the art”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingreasoning
Local classification of Manyika pottery is built upon consideration of shape and size, since there is a correlation between function and size and shape.
“Thus, the local classification is built upon the consideration of the shape, and size of the vessel since there is a correlation between the function of a pottery vessel and its size and shape.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Findingown data
The reconstructed medium to small-sized vessels included mbiya, chimbiya, and mukate.
“As demonstrated in Figure 9, these medium to small-sized vessels included mbiya (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13), chimbiya (10, 11, 15), and mukate (16).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Reconstruction of broken and partially complete pots recovered at Mukondwe, Murahwa, Fishpit, and other upland settlements in the Nyanga National Park revealed a range of functional classes that probably governed the use-life of Nyanga ware.
“Reconstruction of some of the broken and partially complete pots recovered at Mukondwe, Murahwa, Fishpit, and other upland settlements in the Nyanga National Park revealed a range of functional classes that probably governed the use-life of Nyanga ware.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Observations in Nyakatsapa area showed one old, retired potter regarded the local market as one of the venues that facilitated circulation of her clay products.
“This corresponds with our observations in Nyakatsapa area where one old, retired potter regarded the local market as one of the venues that facilitated the circulation of her clay products.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given
Some of the vessels did not necessarily have the metric attributes that were anticipated by Summers (1958).
“Nevertheless, some of these vessels did not necessarily have the metric attributes that were anticipated by Summers (1958).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingreasoning
When compared to the archaeological interpretations, the ethnohistorical dataset was more consistent with the Manyika worldview and practices.
“Whilst it is indubitable that much of our data was drawn from the colonial archive often marred by colonial prejudice, it is not surprising that when compared to the archaeological interpretations, the ethnohistorical dataset was more consistent with the Manyika worldview and practices.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Typological analysis of Nyanga pottery has expanded knowledge about the culture-history of precolonial southern Zambezia.
“Whereas typological analysis of the pottery based on the character and variability of the stylistic and decoration attributes has played a pivotal role towards expanding the frontiers of knowledge about the culture-history of this landscape in precolonial southern Zambezia”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Randall-MacIver, 1906
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
In southern African Iron Age studies, pottery is generally examined to establish group identities and relative chronologies, as if it was not active in everyday life.
“where pottery is generally examined to establish groups identities and their relative chronologies as if it was not active in everyday life”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Beach, 1980
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Hall, 1983 source
- cites Ndoro, 1996
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisereasoning
Little is known about the social context in which Nyanga pottery was made, distributed, used, and discarded in everyday life.
“we know little about the social context in which the pottery was made, distributed, used, and discarded in everyday life.”
- Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
“little is known about the social context in which the pottery was made, exchanged, and used in everyday life.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
- Interpretationown data
The study revealed a range of everyday roles and cultural contexts that probably shaped the lifecycle of local pottery in ancient Nyanga.
“It revealed a range of everyday roles and cultural contexts that probably shaped the lifecycle of local pottery in ancient Nyanga.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Nyanga ware is associated with the terrace-building community that occupied the agricultural complex between the 14th and 20th centuries.
“The later ware is associated with the terrace-building community that occupied the agricultural complex between the 14th and the 20th centuries (Soper, 2002).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Cultural continuity of Nyanga ware into recent times is denoted by stylistic similarities with pottery from descendant Shona groups such as the Manyika.
“The cultural continuity of Nyanga ware into the recent times is denoted by the stylistic similarities with pottery from descendant Shona groups such as the Manyika”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1937
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bhila, 1982
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Since the 16th century, the term Manyika has been erroneously used by Africanists as an umbrella term to bracket the majority of Shona communities native to eastern Zimbabwe, including the Saunyama, Hwesa, and Maungwe.
“Since the 16th century, the term Manyika has been erroneously used by Africanists as an umbrella term to bracket the majority of the Shona communities native to eastern Zimbabwe, including the Saunyama, Hwesa, and Maungwe”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Ranger, 1989
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
The Nyanga agricultural complex is an Iron Age landscape in southern Africa with intensified agricultural systems of Bantu agropastoral societies that thrived between CE 1300 and 1900.
“The Nyanga agricultural complex is one of the unique Iron Age landscapes in southern Africa that portrays a colossal footprint of intensified agricultural systems of Bantu agropastoral societies that thrived between CE 1300 and 1900”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Pikirayi, 2001
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Mitchell, 2004 source
- Premisecitation
There is a huge collection of historical records dating back to the 16th century documenting many aspects of Manyika history and culture.
“there is a huge collection of historical records dating back to the 16th century which documented many aspects of their history and culture”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Theal, 1898
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bhila, 1982
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gelfand, 1977
- Premisecitation
The term Manyika was more of a geographical expression than an ethnic one.
“Thus, the term was more of a geographical expression than an ethnic one”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Bernhard n.d.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Beach, 1980
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bhila, 1982
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
African-centred knowledge has been ignored in addressing the problem of social context in pottery studies.
“For so long African-centred knowledge has been ignored in addressing this problem”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
There is a high probability that suitable clay was consciously acquired from openly accessed streams and riverbanks located in the vicinity, paying close attention to tangible and intangible aspects such as mineralogy, texture, plasticity, temper levels, taboos, restrictions and even the cost of transporting the clay.
“For instance, in terms of clay procurement strategies, there is a high probability that suitable clay was consciously acquired from openly accessed streams and riverbanks located in the vicinity, paying close attention to tangible and intangible aspects such as mineralogy, texture, plasticity, temper levels, taboos, restrictions and even the cost of transporting the clay.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Premisecitation
Manyika pottery vessels are intentionally discarded as mortuary goods when a married woman is buried with some of her kitchenware.
“Manyika pottery vessels are also intentionally discarded as mortuary goods when a married woman is buried with some of her kitchenware (Gelfand, 1977: 45).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand, 1977
- Interpretationreasoning
The presence of soot stains on the surfaces of some vessels probably accumulated as a result of continuous exposure to fire during cooking.
“This is supported by the presence of soot stains on the surfaces of some of the vessels (see Figure 9) which probably accumulated as a result of continuous exposure to fire during cooking.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Soot stains on archaeological pottery indicate cooking use.
- Interpretationcitation
Based on their reconstructed sizes and shapes, all these vessels likely served as kitchenware used to prepare and serve everyday meals.
“Basing on their reconstructed sizes and shapes, all these vessels likely served as kitchenware which was used to prepare and serve everyday meals (Martin, 1941; Stead, 1947; Lawton, 1965; Jacob-Widding, 1992; Fredriksen, 2009).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Rests on an assumption: The functions of modern Manyika pottery types correspond to those of archaeological pottery types from the Nyanga complex.
- Interpretationreasoning
The common denominator between pottery from modern and ancient Nyanga is the abundance of unadorned ware.
“Consequently, the common denominator between pottery from modern and ancient Nyanga is the abundance of unadorned ware (see Figures, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 11).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Premisecitation
Some of the dzimba dzekubikira included those excavated by Soper at Fishpit and other house floors uncovered in neighbouring settlements.
“Some of the dzimba dzekubikira included those excavated by Soper (2002:180–186) at Fishpit (Figure 9), and other house floors uncovered in the neighbouring settlements (see Mason, 1933; Martin, 1937; Summer, 1958).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Mason, 1933
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Martin, 1937; Summer, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
Application of Eurocentric methods that prioritise rims, decorations, and shapes of archaeological ceramics without attention to other body parts and overall vessel sizes has robbed many ceramists of the opportunity to appreciate the variability of pottery classes and uses.
“Application of Eurocentric methods (that prioritise rims, decorations, and shapes of archaeological ceramics without attention to other body parts and overall vessel sizes) has robbed many ceramists the opportunity to appreciate the variability of pottery classes and uses.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
When beer is ready for drinking and libations, it is stored and served in medium to small-sized pots and bowls with out-turning lips such as musudze, chipfuko, and mbiya.
“Usually, when the beer is ready for drinking and libations, it is stored and served in the medium to small-sized pots and bowls with out-turning lips such as musudze, chipfuko, and mbiya (Stead, 1947; Lawton, 1965; Gelfand, 1977).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gelfand, 1977
- Premisecitation
Sizeable potsherds from broken pots were reused as hwenga (pans), zvirugu (chicken coups), dustpans, or platters for feeding domesticated animals.
“In some instances, sizeable potsherds from broken pots (Figure 8) were reused as hwenga (pans), zvirugu (chicken coups), dustpans, or platters for feeding domesticated animals (see Martin, 1941; Lawton, 1965; Gelfand, 1974; 1977; Ellert, 1984).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gelfand, 1974; 1977; Ellert, 1984
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data
Roger Summers' assumption that Nyanga societies in the uplands did not produce or consume large storage vessels such as gate and musudze due to poverty of grain for brewing is undermined by the presence of these vessels.
“Roger Summers' (1958: 144-145) assumption that Nyanga societies that resided in the uplands did not produce or consume large storage vessels such as gate, and musudze, due to poverty of grain for brewing is undermined by the presence of these vessels.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
- Premisecitation
Small-sized pots or bowls containing a concoction prepared by diviners (n'anga) for their clients are intentionally broken into sherds on a crossroad (mharadzano) as a ritual to set them free from mashavi (evil spirits).
“On the other hand, small-sized pots or bowls containing a concoction prepared by diviners (n'anga) for their clients are intentionally broken into sherds on a crossroad (mharadzano) as a ritual to set them free from mashavi (evil spirits) (Gelfand et al., 1985: 77, 340).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand et al., 1985
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Some beer pots can be intentionally discarded on remote sanctuaries such as hills or around sacred trees such as muchakata during rituals such as maganzvo or mandapona.
“For instance, as observed by Gelfand (cited below), some beer pots can be intentionally discarded on remote sanctuaries such as hills or around sacred trees such as muchakata (parinari curatellifolia) which are regarded as the abode of the mhondoro (lion spirits) during rituals such as maganzvo or mandapona.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand, 1974
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
Eurocentric methods ultimately fail to produce results that resonate with the communities who manufactured or used the pots in their everyday life.
“Ultimately, they fail to produce results that resonate with the communities who manufactured or used the pots in their everyday life.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Some of the cereal, legume, and animal food products that were cooked in the Nyanga ware probably included ground beans (nyimo), sorghum (mapfunde), game meat, and beef (nyama) from species such as Impala, buffalo, common cuiker, waterbuck, and cattle.
“Some of the cereal, legume, and animal food products that were cooked in the Nyanga ware probably included ground beans (nyimo), sorghum (mapfunde), game meat, and beef (nyama) from species such as Impala (mhara), buffalo (nyati), common cuiker (mhembwe), waterbuck (dhumukwa), and cattle (mombe).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Premisecitation
From the modern Manyika, potters operate on a part-time basis.
“Thus, from the modern Manyika we are presented with potters who operate on a part-time basis (Martin, 1941; Lawton, 1965).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
This omission of metric attributes is prevalent in African archaeology.
“This omission is prevalent in African archaeology (see Hall, 1983; Gosselain, 1992; Ndoro, 1996; Ogundele, 2006; Pikirayi, 2007; Ashley, 2010; Mtetwa et al., 2013; Nyamushosho, 2017).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
The rarity of decoration on Nyanga pottery is probably owing to the potter's stylistic choices in light of their everyday roles rather than incapacity to innovate.
“The reason why archaeologists have mostly recovered rarely decorated pottery in the complex is probably owing to the potter's stylistic choices in light of their everyday roles rather than incapacity to innovate (contra Summers, 1958).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Interpretationreasoning
The Manyika ethnohistorical data enables archaeologists to situate ceramics recovered from the Nyanga agricultural complex into the everyday context that possibly governed their life cycle from production to discard.
“The Manyika, ethnohistorical data enables us to situate ceramics recovered from the Nyanga agricultural complex into the everyday context that possibly governed their life cycle right from production to discard.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Interpretationreasoning
There is little probability that all the uplanders were not able to agriculturally adapt to the mountainous landscape of the Nyanga uplands.
“Whilst it is indisputable that the Nyanga uplands are heavily affected by soil erosion which makes it difficult to sustain extensive cereal agriculture as compared to the lowlands; there is little probability to believe that all the uplanders were not able to agriculturally adapt to this mountainous landscape.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The Nyanga uplands are heavily affected by soil erosion, which makes it difficult to sustain extensive cereal agriculture there compared to the lowlands.
- Interpretationreasoning
Open spaces inside and outside the stone enclosures previously identified as residential zones at sites such as Fishpit and Mkondwe can be tentatively ascribed as activity areas for pottery craft production and retailing.
“Considering this we can tentatively ascribe open spaces inside and outside the stone enclosures previously identified as residential zones at sites such as Fishpit, and Mkondwe (Martin, 1937:1038; Summers, 1958:65; Soper, 2002:182), as also activity areas for pottery craft production and retailing (see Figure 9).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Premisecitation
Manyika use clay pots to store n'anga's or svikiro's paraphernalia such as medicines and snuff used in rituals.
“Storing n'anga's or svikiro's paraphernalia such as medicines and snuff used by the n'anga or svikiros in the ritual;”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Gelfand (1974), (1977)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Nyamushosho (2012)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationcitation
The large to medium-sized vessels illustrated in Figure 9 likely served as beer brewing and water (including beer) storage vessels.
“The large to medium-sized vessels illustrated in Figure 9 likely served as beer brewing, and water (Including beer) storage vessels (Martin, 1941; Stead, 1947; Lawton, 1965).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
- Interpretationcitation
Part of the restrictions prevented the washing of kitchenware in riverbeds.
“Whilst it is impossible for archaeology to directly uncover these intangible aspects, it is likely that part of the restrictions, prevented the washing of kitchenware in riverbeds (Gelfand, 1974: 79).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand, 1974: 79
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
- Interpretationcitation
Based on the surface colour of Nyanga pottery (black, brown, grey), the firing process took place in the open space encircling the pit structures and enclosures where other crafts such as iron smelting were undertaken.
“Whilst we are not certain on where exactly pottery was moulded, based on the surface colour of Nyanga pottery – which ranges between black, brown and grey, (pointers to open firing, sensu Manyanga, 1995: 38) – it is clear that the firing process took place in the open space encircling the pit structures and enclosures where other crafts such as iron smelting were undertaken (see Summers, 1958: 61,”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Manyanga, 1995
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
- Interpretationreasoning
There is a high probability that most households in the Nyanga uplands, including those recorded at Mukondwe and Fishpit, owned brewing and storage pots that were used at social gatherings such as nhimbe, ndari, mukwerera, mariro, kugara nhaka, maganzvo, and other ceremonies.
“Therefore, there is a high probability that most households in the Nyanga uplands including those recorded at Mukondwe (Mason, 1933) and Fishpit (Soper, 2002) owned brewing and storage pots that were used at social gatherings that possibly included nhimbe, ndari, mukwerera, mariro, kugara nhaka, maganzvo, and many other ceremonies enlisted in Table 1 which are held in private or public spaces (see”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gelfand, 1974
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bhila, 1982
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
- Premisecitation
Botanical and faunal residues of these cultigens and mammals were recovered in the Nyanga National Park.
“Botanical, and faunal residues of these cultigens, and mammals were recovered in the Nyanga National Park (see Cook, 1958:152–158; Wild, 1958:175; Jonsson, 2002:249).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Cook, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Wild, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Jonsson, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
By situating the pottery in the Manyika worldview and practices, the authors were able to derive insights that shaped the production, distribution, consumption, and discard patterns of vessels that possibly served as storage, brewing, or kitchenware.
“By situating the pottery in the Manyika worldview and practices, we were able to derive refreshing insights that shaped the production, distribution, consumption, and discard patterns of vessels that possibly served as storage, brewing, or kitchenware.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
- Interpretationreasoning
Unlike ethnographers and historians, archaeologists created a different version of the Nyanga past that is difficult for most of the Manyika to relate to.
“Thus, unlike ethnographers and historians, it appears archaeologists created a different version of Nyanga past difficult for most of the Manyika to relate with it.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Among the Manyika, a married woman is buried with some of her kitchenware and jewellery upon death.
“This is corroborated by a similar mortuary practice recorded among the Manyika, where a married woman is buried with some of her kitchenware and jewellery upon death (Gelfand, 1977: 45).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand, 1977: 45
- Probably not a substantial claim. 52
- It may state two separate claims as one. 31
- The quote only partly states this claim. 3
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Findingown dataThe moulding sequence of a Manyika pot is body (dumbu), shoulder (bendekete), neck (mutsipa), lip (muromo), and lastly base (garo).
“Firstly, the body (dumbu) of the pot is moulded; this is followed by the shoulder(bendekete), neck, (mutsipa), lip (muromo), and lastly the base (garo)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationAmong the Manyika, pot making is mostly done by women.
“as largely observed among the broader Shona-speaking groups, pot making is mostly done by women”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Aschwanden, 1989
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Ellert, 1984
- cites Collett, 1993
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Findingnone givenThe anatomy of Manyika pots is gendered, with their physical structure likened to that of a woman (munhukadzi).
“Thus, their anatomy is gendered, hence their physical structure is likened to that of a woman (munhukadzi).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationThe use of open fires within the homestead, with firing ranging between 20 and 120 min, is commonly practiced.
“the use of open fires within the homestead, where the firing process ranges between 20 and 120 min is commonly practiced”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationThe skill of pottery making mostly circulates within families and is mostly transmitted through a 'mother to daughter' mentorship cycle.
“the skill mostly circulates within families and like most Shona groups it is mostly transmitted through a ‘mother to daughter’ mentorship cycle”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Jacobson-Widding, 1992
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Fredriksen, 2009
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationMining of clay is usually done using a hoe (badza), and clay quality is evaluated based on texture and colour.
“Mining of clay is usually done using a hoe (badza) and the quality of clay is evaluated based on its texture and colour (Lawton, 1965).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationThe quality of the clay and the costs needed to transport it determine the selection of a quarry.
“Usually, the quality of the clay and the costs needed to transport it determines the selection of a quarry.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationClay processing prevents manufactured wares from cracking, and vessel construction begins only when clay is smooth and plastic.
“Clay processing prevents the manufactured wares from cracking and because of that, it is only when the clay is smooth and plastic that vessel construction begins”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationDecoration of Manyika earthenware commences after it has been sun-dried for a while.
“Decoration of the earthenware commences after it has been sun-dried for a while”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationThe working area for pottery making must be shady to prevent sudden drying of pots during manufacture.
“the working area must be shady to prevent sudden drying of the pots whilst still being manufactured”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationA special clay locally known as dongo is generally used by Manyika potters for making earthenware.
“generally, a special clay locally known as dongo is used by the potters for making their earthenware”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationAmong the Manyika, smoothening preceded polishing the pot's surface.
“Thus, among the Manyika smoothening preceded polishing the pot's surface”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationAmong the Manyika, clay processing and sourcing overlap; during quarrying, a potter can refine clay by removing impurities such as grass, roots, and grit.
“Amongst the Manyika clay processing and sourcing overlap; for instance, during quarrying, a potter can refine the gathered clay by removing impurities such as grass, roots, and grit”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationThe moulding process of Manyika pottery is achieved either using the coiling or pulling method.
“The moulding process is achieved either using the coiling or pulling method”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationManyika potters smoothen the inside surface using a curvy fragment of a broken calabash or pot (nhemba) and the outside using a flat-edged instrument (chipariro).
“The surface on the inside is smoothened using a curvy fragment of a broken calabash or pot locally known as nhemba whilst a flat-edged instrument (chipariro) is used on the outside”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationMost Manyika potters design their earthenware in a similar sequence and similar spherical form, which is common in most parts of Africa.
“Most of the Manyika potters design their earthenware in a similar sequence and similar spherical- form which is common in most parts of Africa”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gosselain, 1992 source
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationSome moulded rib or lug decorations (mitwi) on small-sized necked pots are metaphorically regarded as breasts, while incised triangle motifs are associated with elegance.
“some moulded rib or lug decorations (mitwi) on small-sized necked pots are metaphorically regarded as breasts whilst the incised triangle motifs are associated with elegance”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Jacobson-Widding, 1992
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gosselain, 1999 source
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationUsually, the pot is fired under an oxidising atmosphere; men are not welcome during firing because the process is metaphorically rated as disastrous to their potency.
“Usually, the pot is fired under an oxidising atmosphere; however, men are not welcome during the firing process since the process is metaphorically rated as disastrous to their potency”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Jacobson-Widding, 1992
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationSome Manyika potters observed by Martin preferred wood from Brachystegia speciformis (msasa) and grass, while those interviewed in Watsomba opted for bark of msasa tree and cow dung (ndove).
“Some Manyika potters observed by Martin (1941) preferred wood from Brachystegia speciformis woodlands locally known as msasa and grass (Martin, 1941: 57), whilst those we interviewed in Watsomba opted for the bark of msasa tree and cow dung (ndove).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationThe newly formed vessel is polished on the outer surface using a small quartz pebble (hurungudo) usually collected from nearby river basins.
“The newly formed vessel is also polished on the outer surface using a small quartz pebble (hurungudo) which is usually collected from the nearby river basins.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Findingnone givenThe duration of drying a pot is generally determined by the prevailing weather.
“The duration of drying a pot is generally determined by the prevailing weather.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationThe clay for Manyika pottery is meticulously quarried from nearby streams and riverbanks.
“This is meticulously quarried from nearby streams and riverbanks.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationAfter being dug, wet clay is covered with lumps of soil to maintain moisture and transported using reed baskets (tswanda).
“After being dug, the wet clay is covered using lumps of soil to maintain the moisture content and is later transported to the desired destination using reed baskets locally known as tswanda”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationThe meanings of decorations on Manyika clay pots range from aesthetics to symbolism.
“The meanings of decorations on Manyika clay pots range from aesthetics (Martin, 1941: 56) to symbolism (Stead, 1947: 100).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationClay sourcing among the Manyika can be a household effort where family members including young children help with quarrying and transportation.
“clay sourcing can be a household effort where other family members of the potter including young children can give a hand towards quarrying and transportation of the clay”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Findingnone givenMethods of firing a clay pot depend on the potter's choices and constraints, particularly the availability of desired fuel.
“Methods of firing a clay pot depend on the potter's choices and constraints, particularly the availability of the desired fuel.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationClay preparation and vessel construction among the Manyika are mostly carried out in an open space within a homestead or in a specific hut designated as a workshop.
“These two processes are mostly carried out in the open space within a homestead (Martin, 1941: 59) or within a specific hut designated as the workshop (Lawton, 1965: 511).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingnone givenHari continues to be visible in the daily lives of the modern Manyika, though heavily threatened by the proliferation of metal and plastic ware.
“Though heavily threatened by the proliferation of metal and plastic ware in most homesteads, hari continues to be visible in the daily lives of the modern Manyika.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
FindingcitationThe mukate has no neck to facilitate stirring when cooking, and its shape ranges from a large to medium-sized wide-mouthed pot with an out-turning lip.
“The vessel has no neck to facilitate stirring when cooking, hence its shape ranges from a large to medium-sized wide-mouthed pot with an out-turning lip”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Jacobson-Widding, 1992
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataBased on the authors' ethnographic survey, denhe vessels have diameter and height dimensions ranging between 27-45 cm and 40-100 cm respectively, and volume up to thirty litres.
“Based on the average measurements we recorded during our ethnographic survey, the diameter and height dimensions of denhe range between 27-45 cm and 40–100 cm respectively, and generally its volume can go up to thirty litres.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
FindingcitationClay pots are used in Manyika ceremonies such as Rokoto/Mukwerera/Makasva/Mapondoro and Maganzvo/Doro rematendo/Maponda for preparing, storing, transporting, and serving food and drink, and for storing ritual paraphernalia.
“Pots are used to prepare, store, transport, and serve food and drink consumed at the ceremony, particularly beer which is brewed, transported, and served using a variety of clay pots e.g., gate, mbiziro, musudze, pfuko, nhera, mbiya, and hwenga”
- Also stated in: § From consumption to discard · plain
“Storing rain petitioning paraphernalia such as snuff consumed by the mhondoros (ancestral spirits) through their svikiros (mediums”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Gelfand (1974), 1977
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bhila (1982)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Ellert (1984)
- Also stated in: § From consumption to discard · plain
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationAmong the most common culinary vessels is the mukate, also known as tsaiya or tsambakodzi.
“Among the most common culinary vessels is the mukate, also known as tsaiya or tsambakodzi”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gelfand, 1977
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingnone givenThe size of the mukate varies according to the number of people residing within a homestead; large-sized mukates are found in homesteads with large families, while medium-sized are associated with smaller families.
“The size of the mukate varies according to the number of people who reside within a homestead. Usually, large-sized mukates are found within homesteads that host large families whilst the medium-sized are associated with smaller families.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
FindingcitationMukate is primarily used to prepare sadza, a thick porridge made of sorghum, finger millet, maize, or bulrush millet.
“Mukate is primarily used to prepare the most important meal of the day, sadza, a thick porridge made of mapfunde (sorghum), rukweza/njera (finger millet), njeke/magwere (maize), or mhunga (bulrush millet).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Gelfand, 1977
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisereasoningThe majority of ceramic studies of Nyanga pottery were rooted in Eurocentric typological approaches to material culture, and these approaches elided the social context of pottery.
“This mostly comes from the fact that the majority of the ceramic studies undertaken were rooted in Eurocentric typological approaches to material culture hence these processes were elided by most researchers.”
- Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
“This mostly comes from the fact that the majority of these studies were undertaken using Eurocentric approaches to material culture (i.e. Randall-MacIver, 1906; Martin, 1937; Fripp and Wells, 1938; Schofield, 1948; Summers, 1958; Brand, 1970; Manyanga, 1995; Soper and Chirawu, 1997; Soper, 2002; Manyanga and Shenjere, 2012) that maginalised most of these aspects.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Also stated in: § Introduction · plain
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Study design and conductreasoningThe study cross-evaluated data from colonial archive sources with other scholarly sources because of inconsistencies in some observations.
“However, it must be noted that like other sources from the colonial archive, there were some inconsistencies in some observations, hence we cross-evaluated the data with other scholarly sources.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationAs recorded among neighbouring Karanga contemporaries, Manyika potters possibly relied on two broad networks for trading their wares: their homesteads and local marketplaces.
“as recorded amongst their neighbouring Karanga contemporaries, potters possibly relied on two broad networks for trading their wares: their homesteads and local marketplaces”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Lindahl and Matenga, 1995
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lindahl and Pikirayi, 2010 source
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe culture-historical sequence of Nyanga recognises Bambata ware makers (CE 150-650) as earliest inhabitants, followed by Ziwa ware makers (CE 300-1000), and lastly Nyanga ware makers.
“The recreated culture-historical sequence which is based on pottery style, decoration attributes, and radiocarbon data recognises the makers of Bambata ware (CE 150–650) as the earliest inhabitants of Nyanga, followed by the makers of Ziwa ware (CE 300–1000) and lastly those of Nyanga ware”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Mason, 1933
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisenone givenCurrent ethnohistorical data on Manyika clay pots does not offer much insight into marketing and distribution.
“In terms of marketing and distribution, current ethnohistorical data on the Manyika clay pots does not offer much insight.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductnone givenManyika elders were engaged based on their knowledge of the subject matter and served as main reviewers who verified and substantiated the data.
“Manyika elders were engaged based on their knowledge of the subject matter and primarily served as the main reviewers who verified and substantiated our data.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationNyanga ware was occasionally decorated with raised ribs and cross-hatched incisions.
“These were occasionally decorated with raised ribs and cross-hatched incisions”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Mason, 1933
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Manyanga, 1995
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe technology of pottery making is gradually dying among the Manyika, mainly because modernity downplays pottery consumption, but it has survived into the 21st century.
“even though the technology of pottery making is gradually dying among the Manyika as in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa mainly because of modernity downplaying pottery consumption, it has managed to survive into the 21st century”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Stead, 1947
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationNyanga ware mainly comprises necked pots with out-turning lips, hemispherical bowls with open lips, open bowls with out-sloping lips, and large-mouthed pots with out-turning lips.
“Nyanga ware mainly comprises necked pots with out-turning lips, hemispherical bowls with open lips, open bowls with out-sloping lips, and large-mouthed pots with out-turning lips”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Mason, 1933
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationManyika kitchenware should not be taken to the river for washing because it is believed to upset the mhondoro spirits and may cause drought.
“Manyika kitchenware should not be taken to the river for washing; such acts are symbolically regarded as detrimental to their agricultural prosperity and physical well-being since they are believed to upset the mhondoro (tutelary/lion spirits associated with rain) whom if angered may withhold the rains hence they end up in drought (nzara) (Gelfand, 1974: 79).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand, 1974
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationAccording to ethnohistorical data, pot making is a dry weather handicraft mostly done within homestead spaces either in a designated hut or open space, not far distant from clay sources.
“According to the ethnohistorical data, pot making is a dry weather handicraft mostly done within homestead spaces either in a designated hut or open space, however, not far distant from clay sources (Martin, 1941: 59; Lawton, 1965: 511).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Martin, 1941
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Lawton, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationMothers supply cooking pots which are used by senior girls to cook real food during mahumbwe.
“Mothers supply cooking pots which are used by senior girls to cook real food”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Nyamushosho (2012)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationCereal agriculture formed the basis of the subsistence of the Nyanga uplanders, who relied on terracing, intercropping, animal manure (mufudze), and other agricultural adaptations that enhanced soil fertility.
“In fact, as recently revealed by the work of Robert Soper (2002) and the late Steve Chirawu (Chirawu et al., 1999), it is indubitable that cereal agriculture formed the basis of the subsistence of the Nyanga uplanders since they relied on terracing, intercropping, animal manure (mufudze), and many other agricultural adaptations which enhanced soil fertility.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Soper, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Chirawu et al., 1999
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premiseown dataDenhe, also known as muzeka or njeka, is a large neckless pot with an in-sloping lip used for storing upfu (maize meal), dried grain and legumes such as mapfunde, rukweza/njera, njeke, mhunga, fondokoto, nyimo, and pumpkin seeds.
“Denhe also known as muzeka or njeka is a large neckless pot designed with an in-sloping lip for storing upfu (maize meal), dried grain and legumes such as mapfunde, rukweza/njera, njeke, mhunga, fondokoto, nyimo, and pumpkin seeds which are normally consumed as food and at times used as seed for sowing in the forthcoming planting season.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone givenThere is a high probability that the local drainage basins such as Pungwe, Utare, Odzi, Odzani, Nyadiri, Rebvuwe, Mkondwe, and Honde Rivers were utilised as clay sources by the makers of Nyanga pottery, particularly those residing at stonewalled enclosures such as Mkondwe, Burnaby, Watsomba, Dowe, Fishpit, and others in the Nyanga National Park.
“There is still a need for more fieldwork devoted to the location of clay sources, nevertheless, there is a high probability that the local drainage basins such as Pungwe, Utare, Odzi, Odzani, Nyadiri, Rebvuwe, Mkondwe, and Honde Rivers might have been utilised as clay sources by the makers of Nyanga pottery, particularly those residing at stonewalled enclosures such as Mkondwe, Burnaby, Watsomba,”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationActs of spiritual pollution such as washing kitchenware in riverbeds were detrimental to the livelihood of the Manyika; they angered the Manyika ancestors, causing them to withhold the rains, which were key to agricultural prosperity.
“Such acts of spiritual pollution were detrimental to their livelihood. They angered the Manyika ancestors, causing them to withhold the rains; these were key to agricultural prosperity.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand, 1974
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisereasoningBig brewing pots such as gate and mbiziro, and denhe, are rarely stored inside the kitchen (imba yekubikira); they are normally kept inside the granary (hozi) and brought out when needed.
“Rarely does one find the big brewing pots such as gate and mbiziro stored inside the imba yekubikira. Mostly because they are large-sized and occasionally used, they are normally kept inside the granary (hozi) where they will only be brought out if there is a need to brew. The same also applies to denhe.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationreasoningThere is a possibility that ritual vessels have a better life span compared to quotidian vessels which easily break from constant use in the kitchen.
“Not much has been recorded concerning longevity, recycling, and discard patterns of Manyika pottery, but considering the cursory mentioning by some ethnographers, there is a possibility that ritual vessels have a better life span when compared to quotidian vessels which easily break as a result of constant use in the kitchen.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premiseown dataNhera is the smallest vessel in most homesteads, a semi-hemispherical bowl with a straight lip used to store munyu (salt), mafuta (vegetable or animal fat), or zvirungo (spices) used during cooking, and secondarily to store mudhombo for masvikiro to inhale during rituals such as maganzvo.
“As we noted, nhera is the smallest vessel in most homesteads. This is a semi-hemispherical bowl with a straight lip that is used to store munyu (salt), mafuta (vegetable or animal fat), or zvirungo (spices) used during cooking. At the secondary level, nhera is used to store mudhombo (traditional stuff) which is mostly”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimThe quote only partly states this claim.
PremisecitationManyika use clay pots to prepare food and drink at a range of ceremonies, including Chenura/Kutamba guva, Kugara nhaka, Madiramhamba, Kutanda ngozi, Kutanda botso, Madira mombe, Rufu, Mahumbwe, Marooro, Nhimbe, and Kugadzwa humambo.
“Pots are used to prepare food and drink consumed at the ceremony, particularly beer which is brewed, transported, and served using a variety of clay pots e.g. gate, mbiziro, musudze, pfuko, nhera, mbiya, and hwenga”
- Also stated in: § From consumption to discard · plain
“Pots are used to brew beer and food consumed at the ceremony using a variety of clay pots e.g. gate, mbiziro, musudze, pfuko, nhera, mbiya, and hwenga”
- Also stated in: § From consumption to discard · plain
“Pots are used to prepare food and drink consumed at the ceremony”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Gelfand (1974), (1977)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Nyamushosho (2012)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Also stated in: § From consumption to discard · plain
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisenone givenMbiya is used to cook usavi (relish) in the form of nyama (meat) and muriwo (vegetables) such as derere, hohwa, nhungumira, mutikiti, muferefere, nyevhe, and mowa.
“Mbiya is used to cook usavi (relish) in the form of nyama (meat) and muriwo (vegetables) such as derere (okra), hohwa (mushroom) nhungumira (blackjack), mutikiti (pumpkin leaves), muferefere (melon leaves), nyevhe (cleome gynandra), and mowa (Amaranthus).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
InterpretationreasoningAs part of the kitchenware, all these vessels were obviously kept on zvikuva inside kitchens (dzimba dzekubikira).
“Nonetheless, as part of the kitchenware, all these vessels were obviously kept on zvikuva (plural – see Figure 5) inside kitchens (dzimba dzekubikira).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationA wife is buried with one of her pots placed near her head in the grave during the Rufu funeral ceremony.
“Wife is buried with one of her pots placed near her head in the grave”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand (1974), (1977)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationThe new wife comes in with new clay pots during the Marooro/Muchato marriage ceremony.
“The new wife comes in with new clay pots”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand (1974), (1977)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationnone givenThe probability is very high that Nyanga potters were predominantly women who extensively relied on labour from their kin to achieve their production targets.
“Hence, the probability is very high that Nyanga potters were predominately women who extensively relied on labour from their kin to achieve their production targets.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premiseown dataGate and mbiziro are used to brew mhamba: gate or chikanga malts and boils the cereal, and mbiziro ferments the masese over one or two weeks.
“The brewing process involves various stages in which a very large-sized necked pot with out-turning lip locally known as gate or chikanga is used to malt the cereal grain overnight (kunyika) and boil the malt (masese). Then mbiziro,5 a medium necked pot with out-turning lip is finally used to ferment the masese to produce mhamba; the process normally takes one or two weeks.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationSkibo et al.'s (1989) reconstruction of broken sherds recovered from Broken K Pueblo revealed inconsistencies in stylistic typologies created by earlier researchers.
“Elsewhere in east-central Arizona, Skibo et al.’s (1989) reconstruction of broken sherds recovered from Broken K Pueblo revealed inconsistencies in stylistic typologies that had been created by earlier researchers.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Skibo et al., 1989 source
It may state two separate claims as one.
Premiseown dataManyika kitchenware vessels are usually kept inside the kitchen (imba yekubikira) on a platform with pot stands known as chikuva or chidziro, or on a drying stand (dara) after washing.
“The majority of the Manyika kitchenware vessels are usually kept inside the kitchen (imba yekubikira) on a platform with a series of pot stands locally known as chikuva or chidziro (Figure 5). In cases where one does not find them inside the kitchen, either they will normally be on the dara (drying stand) where they are normally sundried after washing (see Figure 6).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimThe quote only partly states this claim.
InterpretationcitationThe lifecycle of clay pots produced and consumed by both the uplanders and lowlanders in the Nyanga complex was governed by socially constructed restrictions, myths, and taboos conversant to the contemporary Manyika worldview.
“The lifecycle of clay pots produced and consumed by both the uplanders and lowlanders in the Nyanga complex was governed by some socially constructed restrictions, myths, and taboos conversant to the contemporary Manyika worldview.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationConsidering the rarity of local graphite deposits, there is a possibility that some potters in the Nyanga archaeological complex outsourced graphite from their neighbours.
“Thus, considering the rarity of local graphite deposits (Summers, 1958: 313) there is a possibility that some potters in the Nyanga archaeological complex outsourced graphite from their neighbours (Summers, 1958: 313).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Summers, 1958
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationSome broken pottery vessels excavated at Mukondwe alongside a young female adult skeleton were intentionally discarded as grave goods together with glass beads and metal bangles.
“Concerning discard, there is a possibility that some broken pottery vessels excavated at Mukondwe alongside a young female adult skeleton (see Mason, 1933; Galloway, 1937; Martin, 1937) were intentionally discarded as grave goods together with glass beads and metal bangles.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Mason, 1933
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Galloway, 1937
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Martin, 1937
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationThis study resonates with the 'slow science' advocated by Gosselain (2011) and others, which accentuates the need to give local communities a meaningful voice in knowledge production.
“In some ways, this resonates with the sort of 'slow science' advocated by Gosselain (2011) and others (i.e. Cunningham and MacEachern, 2016) which accentuate the need to give local communities a meaningful voice in knowledge production.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Gosselain, 2011
- cites Cunningham and MacEachern, 2016 source
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Interpretationnone givenNyanga pots were possibly recycled upon breakage.
“Furthermore, in as much as we do not have sufficient data, it is also possible that Nyanga pots were recycled upon breakage.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
InterpretationreasoningThis ethnohistorical study highlights the potential of African-centred knowledge as an alternative framework for illuminating the lifecycle of Iron Age pottery from precolonial Nyanga.
“This ethnohistorical study highlights the potential of African-centred knowledge as an alternative framework for illuminating the lifecycle of Iron Age pottery from precolonial Nyanga.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationcitationLarge sherds from broken pots possibly regained a new lease on life as zvirugu (chicken coops), hwenga (pans), dustpans, or a platter for feeding domesticated animals, transporting marasha (hot embers) for making fire, or burning powdered concoctions prepared by n'anga (diviners) for healing illnesses (matenda).
“Thus, large sherds from broken pots possibly regained a new lease on life as zvirugu (chicken coups), hwenga (pans), dustpans, or a platter for feeding domesticated animals (i.e. chickens, cats, and dogs), transporting marasha (hot ambers) for making fire or burning powdered concoctions prepared by n'anga (diviners) for healing illnesses (matenda) (Gelfand et al., 1985: 20).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gelfand et al., 1985: 20
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationThe implications of this study appeal to wider debates in archaeology and (ceramic) ethnoarchaeology that call for a transformation in knowledge production.
“When viewed using a global lens, the implications of this study appeal to wider debates in archaeology, and (ceramic) ethnoarchaeology that calls for a transformation in knowledge production (i.e. Hall, 1983; Dietler and Herbich, 1989; Stahl, 1995; Ndoro, 1996; Stark, 2003; Karega-Munene and Schmidt, 2010; Lane, 2011; Pikirayi, 2015; Chirikure, 2016, Chirikure, 2020; Cunningham and MacEachern, 201”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
The paper relies on this without support.
The documented Manyika pottery practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the Later Iron Age Nyanga communities to allow ethnohistorical inference about ancient Nyanga.
“we undertook this study with the awareness that the worldview and practices of the Manyika like elsewhere were subject to continuity and change”
The paper relies on this without support.
The ethnographic present of the Manyika is a valid analogue for the archaeological past of the Nyanga agricultural complex.
“The Manyika, ethnohistorical data enables us to situate ceramics recovered from the Nyanga agricultural complex into the everyday context that possibly governed their life cycle right from production to discard.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The functions of modern Manyika pottery types correspond to those of archaeological pottery types from the Nyanga complex.
“Reconstruction of some of the broken and partially complete pots recovered at Mukondwe, Murahwa, Fishpit, and other upland settlements in the Nyanga National Park revealed a range of functional classes that probably governed the use-life of Nyanga ware.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Soot stains on archaeological pottery indicate cooking use.
“This is supported by the presence of soot stains on the surfaces of some of the vessels (see Figure 9) which probably accumulated as a result of continuous exposure to fire during cooking.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The archaeological pottery recovered at sites like Mukondwe, Murahwa, Fishpit is representative of Nyanga pottery.
“Reconstruction of some of the broken and partially complete pots recovered at Mukondwe, Murahwa, Fishpit, and other upland settlements in the Nyanga National Park revealed a range of functional classes that probably governed the use-life of Nyanga ware.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The contemporary Manyika worldview and practices are sufficiently continuous with those of the precolonial Nyanga to serve as an analogical framework for interpreting Nyanga pottery.
“The lifecycle of clay pots produced and consumed by both the uplanders and lowlanders in the Nyanga complex was governed by some socially constructed restrictions, myths, and taboos conversant to the contemporary Manyika worldview.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The Nyanga uplands are heavily affected by soil erosion, which makes it difficult to sustain extensive cereal agriculture there compared to the lowlands.
“Whilst it is indisputable that the Nyanga uplands are heavily affected by soil erosion which makes it difficult to sustain extensive cereal agriculture as compared to the lowlands; there is little probability to believe that all the uplanders were not able to agriculturally adapt to this mountainous landscape.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Figure 7 cites a page outside Martin's listed page range
MinorFigure 7 cites page 357 of Martin's 1941 work, but the reference list gives that work a page range of 52-62.
“Figure: Figure 7 Manyika pottery vessels recorded by C. Martin more than 75 years ago. Source: Adapted from Martin (1941:357).”
“57. Martin C. Manyika pottery Proc. Rhodesian Sci. Assoc. 38 1941 52 62”
Citations
Cites
The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective
Csíkszentmihályi, M., & Appadurai, A. (1988) · Contemporary Sociology A Journal of Reviews · doi:10.2307/2070604 · Cited by 2,216
Hodder, I., & Hutson, S. R. (2003) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511814211 · Cited by 924
Reading the Past: Current Approaches to Interpretation in Archaeology.
Crowell, A. L., & Hodder, I. (1992) · Man · doi:10.2307/2804182 · Cited by 667
The Archaeology of Africa: food, metals and towns
(1994) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.31-2822 · Cited by 593
The Creation of Tribalism in Southern Africa
Voeltz, R. A. (1990) · History Reviews of New Books · doi:10.1080/03612759.1990.9945715 · Cited by 569
Materializing Identities: An African Perspective
Gosselain, O. P. (2000) · Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory · doi:10.1023/a:1026558503986 · Cited by 564
Handbook to the Iron Age: the archaeology of pre-colonial farming societies in Southern Africa
(2008) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.46-0382 · Cited by 339
Sadr, K., David, N., & Kramer, C. (2002) · The South African Archaeological Bulletin · doi:10.2307/3889108 · Cited by 273
The Traditional medical practitioner in Zimbabwe : his principles of practice and pharmacopoeia
Gelfand, M. (1985) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 252
David, N., Sterner, J., & Gavua, K. (1988) · Current Anthropology · doi:10.1086/203649 · Cited by 248
Understanding Pottery Function
Skibo, J. M. (2012) · Manuals in archaeological method, theory and technique · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-4199-1 · Cited by 229
The Zimbabwe culture: origins and decline of southern Zambezian states
(2001) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.39-1726 · Cited by 175
Technology and style: potters and pottery among Bafia of Cameroon
Gosselain, O. P. (1992) · Man · doi:10.2307/2803929 · Cited by 165
Missionaries, migrants, and the Manyika: The invention of ethnicity in Zimbabwe
Ranger, T. O. (1984) · University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Institutional Repository on DSpace (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg) · Cited by 151
Towards a Socialised Archaeology of Ceramics in Great Lakes Africa
Ashley, C. (2010) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1007/s10437-010-9074-0 · Cited by 149
Ceramic Form and Function: An Ethnographic Search and an Archeological Application
Henrickson, E. F., & McDonald, M. M. A. (1983) · American Anthropologist · doi:10.1525/aa.1983.85.3.02a00070 · Cited by 136
The Use of Ethnoarchaeology for the Archaeological Study of Ceramic Production
Costin, C. L. (2000) · Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory · doi:10.1023/a:1026523023550 · Cited by 135
Possibilities for a postcolonial archaeology in sub-Saharan Africa: indigenous and usable pasts
Lane, P. J. (2011) · World Archaeology · doi:10.1080/00438243.2011.544886 · Cited by 116
To hell with ethnoarchaeology!
Gosselain, O. P. (2016) · Archaeological Dialogues · doi:10.1017/s1380203816000234 · Cited by 114
Bent, J. T., & Swan, R. M. W. (1893) · Longmans, Green and Co eBooks · doi:10.5479/sil.116151.39088002553709 · Cited by 107
(1992) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.29-2783 · Cited by 107
Current Issues in Ceramic Ethnoarchaeology
Stark, M. T. (2003) · Journal of Archaeological Research · doi:10.1023/a:1025079730891 · Cited by 98
Arthur, J. W. (2002) · Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory · doi:10.1023/a:1021309616231 · Cited by 88
In pots we trust. The processing of clay and symbols in sub-Saharan Africa
Gosselain, O. P. (1999) · Journal of Material Culture · doi:10.1177/135918359900400205 · Cited by 88
Irrigation and Soil-Conservation in African Agricultural History
Sutton, J. E. G. (1984) · The Journal of African History · doi:10.1017/s0021853700022544 · Cited by 84
Tich matek : the technology of Luo pottery production and the definition of ceramic style
Dietler, M., & Herbich, I. (1989) · World Archaeology · doi:10.1080/00438243.1989.9980096 · Cited by 74
Ethnoarchaeology as slow science
Cunningham, J. J., & MacEachern, S. (2016) · World Archaeology · doi:10.1080/00438243.2016.1260046 · Cited by 73
Inyanga Prehistoric Settlements in Southern Rhodesia
G., A. J. H., & Summers, R. (1959) · The South African Archaeological Bulletin · doi:10.2307/3886739 · Cited by 52
Mercader, J., Heras, M. G., & González-Álvarez, I. (2000) · Journal of Archaeological Science · doi:10.1006/jasc.1999.0455 · Cited by 52
(2002) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.40-0994 · Cited by 52
The Use and Abuse of Ethnography in the Study of the Southern African Iron Age
Lane, P. J. (1994) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/00672709409511661 · Cited by 50
Decolonizing Archaeological Thought in South America
Haber, A. F. (2016) · Annual Review of Anthropology · doi:10.1146/annurev-anthro-102215-095906 · Cited by 48
Chirikure, S. (2020) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780367810412 · Cited by 48
Self-citationUnderstanding Pottery Function
Skibo, J. M. (2012) · Manuals in archaeological method, theory and technique · doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-4199-1_1 · Cited by 46
Pikirayi, I. (2007) · Journal of Social Archaeology · doi:10.1177/1469605307081389 · Cited by 43
The Journals of Carl Mauch, His Travels in the Transvaal and Rhodesia, 1869-1872
Langworthy, H. W., & Burke, E. E. (1972) · The International Journal of African Historical Studies · doi:10.2307/217110 · Cited by 42
Elites and commoners at Great Zimbabwe: archaeological and ethnographic insights on social power
Chirikure, S., Nyamushosho, R. T., Bandama, F., & Dandara, C. (2018) · Antiquity · doi:10.15184/aqy.2018.137 · Cited by 41
Self-citationCeramic style analysis in archaeology and ethnoarchaeology: Bridging the analytical gap
Skibo, J. M., Schiffer, M. B., & Kowalski, N. (1989) · Journal of Anthropological Archaeology · doi:10.1016/0278-4165(89)90027-5 · Cited by 40
Bhila, H. H. K. (1983) · Cited by 39
The future of archaeology in Africa
Pikirayi, I. (2015) · Antiquity · doi:10.15184/aqy.2015.31 · Cited by 35
‘I'm not evil’: materialising identities of marginalised potters in Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Lyons, D., & Freeman, A. (2009) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/00671990902795772 · Cited by 35
Primitive pottery : an introduction to South African ceramics, prehistoric and protohistoric
Schofield, J. F. (1948) · Cited by 33
Zulu pottery production in the Lower Thukela Basin, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Fowler, K. D. (2008) · Cited by 33
Wayessa, B. S. (2011) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1007/s10437-011-9103-7 · Cited by 33
Andah, B., Okpoko, A., Shaw, T., & Sinclair, P. (2014) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203754245-47 · Cited by 33
Transforming clay: Gamo caste, gender, and pottery of Southwestern Ethiopia.
Arthur, J. (2013) · Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) · doi:10.14989/173543 · Cited by 32
Lindahl, A., & Pikirayi, I. (2010) · Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences · doi:10.1007/s12520-010-0031-2 · Cited by 32
The Zulu ceramic tradition in Msinga, South Africa
Fowler, K. D. (2011) · Cited by 29
Chirikure, S., & Rehren, T. (2004) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1023/b:aarr.0000045827.70774.56 · Cited by 27
Self-citationPostcolonial Archaeologies in Africa: Breaking the Silence
Karega-Munene, & Schmidt, P. R. (2010) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1007/s10437-010-9084-y · Cited by 26
Pikirayi, I., & Lindahl, A. H. (2013) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1007/s10437-013-9145-0 · Cited by 23
Tribes, traditions and numbers: the American model in southern African Iron Age ceramic studies
Hall, M. (1983) · The South African Archaeological Bulletin · doi:10.2307/3888636 · Cited by 23
‘This is what pots look like here’: ceramics, tradition and consumption on Mafia Island, Tanzania
Wynne‐Jones, S., & Mapunda, B. B. (2008) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/00672700809480456 · Cited by 20
Fredriksen, P. D., & Bandama, F. (2016) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/0067270x.2016.1220056 · Cited by 20
Self-citationAn Archaeology of Land Ownership
Jusseret, S., Driessen, J., & Letesson, Q. (2013) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203497593 · Cited by 19
Great Zimbabwe: reclaiming a ‘confiscated’ past
Mataga, J. (2021) · International Journal of Heritage Studies · doi:10.1080/13527258.2021.1941200 · Cited by 18
Concept and knowledge revision in the post-colony:
Chirikure, S., Nyamushosho, R. T., Chimhundu, H., Dandara, C., Pamburai, H. H., & Manyanga, M. (2017) · Langaa RPCIG eBooks · doi:10.2307/j.ctvh9vz54.7 · Cited by 16
Self-citationKatsamudanga, S. (2012) · University of Zimbabwe Institutional Repository (University of Zimbabwe) · Cited by 14
Forming and Shaping Pottery Boundaries in Contemporary South-Eastern Botswana
Thebe, P. C., & Sadr, K. (2016) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1007/s10437-016-9238-7 · Cited by 14
An ethnoarchaeological study of Twa potters in southern Rwanda
Kohtamaki, M. (2010) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/0067270x.2010.521678 · Cited by 13
‘Ethno’ plus ‘archaeology’: what’s in there for Africa (ns)?
Chirikure, S. (2016) · World Archaeology · doi:10.1080/00438243.2016.1211034 · Cited by 13
Self-citationNyamushosho, R. T., & Chirikure, S. (2020) · Quaternary International · doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2020.03.041 · Cited by 13
Self-citationTaking Southern African ceramic studies into the twenty-first century: a Zimbabwean perspective
Pikirayi, I. (1999) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1023/a:1021628700539 · Cited by 8
The social and symbolic context of the royal potters of Buganda
Giblin, J. D., & Remigius, K. (2012) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/0067270x.2011.647948 · Cited by 8
Has ethnoarchaeology come of Age?
Stahl, A. B. (1995) · Antiquity · doi:10.1017/s0003598x00064863 · Cited by 5
Aspects of consumption and symbolism:
Nyamushosho, R. T. (2017) · Langaa RPCIG eBooks · doi:10.2307/j.ctvh9vz54.16 · Cited by 4
Self-citationChipangura, N., Nyamushosho, R. T., & Pasipanodya, T. B. (2019) · International journal of intangible heritage · doi:10.35638/ijih.2019..14.002 · Cited by 4
Self-citationProspects and Challenges of Oral Traditions and Ethnography for
Reconstructions, A., & Tivl, S. (2006) · Cited by 3
Further Observations on the Pit Ruin M4, Mkondwe Farm, Penhalonga, Rhodesia
Brand, W. (1970) · The South African Archaeological Bulletin · doi:10.2307/3887950 · Cited by 2
Chipangura, N. (2020) · Azania Archaeological Research in Africa · doi:10.1080/0067270x.2019.1703345 · Cited by 2
Self-citationMupira, P. (2001) · Cited by 1
MITCHELL, P. (2004) · The Journal of African History · doi:10.1017/s0021853704249441 · Cited by 1
(1984)
(2011) · Dépôt institutionnel de l'Université libre de Bruxelles (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
(1977)
Flagged first, then by citations
5 of the 80 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Research works printed but not linked: 12
- Fripp, 1938, Excavations in a pit circle at Inyanga, S. Rhodesia, South Afr. J. Sci., 35, 399
- Galloway, 1937, A report on the skeletal remains from the pit circles, Penhalonga, Southern Rhodesia, South Afr. J. Sci., 33, 1044
- Gelfand, 1960, Mahungbwe [Shona custom], NADA, 36
- Gelfand, 1974, The Mhondoro cult among the Manyika peoples of the eastern region of Mashonaland, NADA, 11, 64
- Jacobson-Widding, 1992, Pits, pots and snakes: an anthropological approach to ancient, Afr. Symbols Nordic J. Afr. Stud., 1, 5
- Lindahl, 1995, Present and past: ceramics and homesteads: an ethno-archaeological study in the Buhera district, Zimbabwe, Stud. Afr. Archaeol., 11
- Manyanga, 2012, The archaeology of the northern Nyanga lowlands and the unfolding farming community sequence in northeastern Zimbabwe, S. Afr. Archaeol. Bull., 67, 244
- Martin, 1937, Prehistoric burials at Penhalonga, South Afr. J. Sci., 33, 1037
- Martin, 1941, Manyika pottery, Proc. Rhodesian Sci. Assoc., 38, 52
- Mason, 1933, The Penhalonga Ruins. S, Rhodesia, South Afr. J. Sci., 30, 559
- Soper, 1997, Ruins on Mount Muozi, Nyanga district, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwean PreHistory, 22, 14
- Stead, 1947, Notes on the types of clay pots found in the Inyanga District, 1945, identified from specimens collected for the purpose by native messengers at office of Native Commissioner, Inyanga, NADA, 24, 100
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Modelling Land Use in The Gold Belt Territories of Iron Age Southern Zambezia
Nyamushosho, R. T., Chirikure, S., Sitas, A., & Maṱhoho, E. N. (2022) · Land · doi:10.3390/land11091425 · Cited by 8
Self-citationChirikure, S. (2022) · Archaeometry · doi:10.1111/arcm.12784 · Cited by 3
Self-citationNyamushosho, R. T., & Chipangura, N. (2024) · Social Dynamics · doi:10.1080/02533952.2024.2320575 · Cited by 1
Self-citationSchoeman, M. H. (2024) · Archeological Papers of the American Anthropological Association · doi:10.1111/apaa.12191 · Cited by 1
Gucsi, L. (2022) · Dissertationes Archaeologicae · doi:10.17204/dissarch.2021.41 · Cited by 1
Nxumalo, B. (2023) · African Archaeological Review · doi:10.1007/s10437-022-09510-9 · Cited by 1
Africa, South: Ancient Chiefdoms and States
Kapumha, R. (2023) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-90799-6.00096-3
Diana, E., Haryati, H., Sihotang, D. M., & Fazri, M. (2024) · doi:10.4108/eai.1-11-2023.2344342
Aragon, C. C., Mezacasa, R., & Machado, J. S. (2025) · Journal of Anthropological Archaeology · doi:10.1016/j.jaa.2025.101691
D’Oliveira, S. M. S., Mesfin, I., Benjamim, E. P., de Saulieu, G., Raul, M. K., Coutros, P. R., António, S. J. F., & Benjamim, M. H. (2026) · Journal of Field Archaeology · doi:10.1080/00934690.2026.2623354
Metadata
- Authors
- Nyamushosho, R. T., Chipangura, N., Pasipanodya, T. B., Bandama, F., Chirikure, S., & Manyanga, M.
- Affiliations
- University of Cape Town (ZA)
- University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)
- University of Johannesburg (ZA)
- Great Zimbabwe University (ZW)
- Corresponding author
- Nyamushosho, Robert T.
- Venue
- Heliyon
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2021-03
- Volume
- 7
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- e06609
- ISSN
- 2405-8440 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC8035510
- OpenAlex
- W3150614333
- Cited by
- 10
- References
- 80
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3
- FWCI
- 4.46
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Heliyon (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Maynooth University ePrints and eTheses Archive (Maynooth University) (acceptedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- University of Cape Town
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Archeology › Archaeology and Rock Art Studies
- Social Sciences › Anthropology › Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies
- Social Sciences › Anthropology › African history and culture studies
- Keywords
- decolonial archaeology, everyday life, precolonial societies, ethnohistory
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-08, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-08 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review