Cited by 10Archaeology and Rock Art StudiesHistorical and Cultural Archaeology StudiesAfrican history and culture studies

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Nyanga pottery and the Manyika ethnohistory: towards a decolonised archaeology of the Nyanga agricultural complex

Open access

Abstract

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

Crossref · 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06609

Cites

75 of 75 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

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
  • 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 data

    The 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingcitation

    Among 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 given

    The 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    Mining 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.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    Clay 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.

    Findingcitation

    Decoration 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.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    A 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.

    Findingcitation

    Among 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.

    Findingcitation

    Among 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.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    Manyika 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.

    Findingcitation

    Most 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.

    Findingcitation

    Some 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.

    Findingcitation

    Usually, 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.

    Findingcitation

    Some 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.

    Findingcitation

    The 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 given

    The 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    After 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.

    Findingcitation

    The 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.

    Findingcitation

    Clay 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 given

    Methods 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Clay 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 given

    Hari 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 claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    The 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 data

    Based 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 claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingcitation

    Clay 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)
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingcitation

    Among 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 given

    The 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingcitation

    Mukate 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.

    Premisereasoning

    The 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
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationcitation

    As 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.

    Premisecitation

    The 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 given

    Current 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Manyika 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Nyanga 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.

    Premisecitation

    The 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.

    Premisecitation

    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.

    “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.

    Premisecitation

    Manyika 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.

    Premisecitation

    According 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.

    Premisecitation

    Mothers 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.

    Premisecitation

    Cereal 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 data

    Denhe, 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    There 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.

    Premisecitation

    Acts 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.

    Premisereasoning

    Big 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There 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 claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premiseown data

    Nhera 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 claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Premisecitation

    Manyika 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.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisenone given

    Mbiya 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    As 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.

    Premisecitation

    A 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.

    Premisecitation

    The 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 given

    The 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 data

    Gate 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Skibo 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 data

    Manyika 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 claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    The 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.

    Interpretationcitation

    Considering 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.

    Interpretationcitation

    Some 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.

    Interpretationcitation

    This 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 given

    Nyanga 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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationreasoning

    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.

    “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 claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    Large 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.

    Interpretationcitation

    The 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
    • cites Hall, 1983 source
    • cites Dietler and Herbich, 1989 source
    • cites Stahl, 1995 source
70 of 70
  • 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.”
7 of 7

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

    Minor

    Figure 7 cites page 357 of Martin's 1941 work, but the reference list gives that work a page range of 52-62.

1 of 1

Citations

Cites

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

  1. Fripp, 1938, Excavations in a pit circle at Inyanga, S. Rhodesia, South Afr. J. Sci., 35, 399
  2. Galloway, 1937, A report on the skeletal remains from the pit circles, Penhalonga, Southern Rhodesia, South Afr. J. Sci., 33, 1044
  3. Gelfand, 1960, Mahungbwe [Shona custom], NADA, 36
  4. Gelfand, 1974, The Mhondoro cult among the Manyika peoples of the eastern region of Mashonaland, NADA, 11, 64
  5. Jacobson-Widding, 1992, Pits, pots and snakes: an anthropological approach to ancient, Afr. Symbols Nordic J. Afr. Stud., 1, 5
  6. Lindahl, 1995, Present and past: ceramics and homesteads: an ethno-archaeological study in the Buhera district, Zimbabwe, Stud. Afr. Archaeol., 11
  7. Manyanga, 2012, The archaeology of the northern Nyanga lowlands and the unfolding farming community sequence in northeastern Zimbabwe, S. Afr. Archaeol. Bull., 67, 244
  8. Martin, 1937, Prehistoric burials at Penhalonga, South Afr. J. Sci., 33, 1037
  9. Martin, 1941, Manyika pottery, Proc. Rhodesian Sci. Assoc., 38, 52
  10. Mason, 1933, The Penhalonga Ruins. S, Rhodesia, South Afr. J. Sci., 30, 559
  11. Soper, 1997, Ruins on Mount Muozi, Nyanga district, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwean PreHistory, 22, 14
  12. 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

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)
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
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

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