Snakes and Crocodiles : Power and Symbolism in Ancient Zimbabwe – Thomas N. Huffman

Description

Great Zimbabwe is only one of many similar ruins in present-day Zimbabwe, eastern Botswana, the northern Transvaal, Venda and parts of Mozambique (the Zimbabwe culture area). Using both contemporary and medieval ethnographic data, Huffman explains the layouts of the sites in the Zimbabwe ruins, the structuring of specific units and the symbolism built into individual walls.

Stylized snakes and crocodiles, for instance, appear everywhere, a reflection of their pervasive symbolic presence within Shona society. Huffmann uses his archaeological data (contemporary and 16th century ethnographic data) to show how certain tribal customs have changed. Although this book is for the more academic Archaeologists and people interested in ethnology, it definitely would appeal to people interested in this subject matter.

This book is beautifully illustrated throughout,with line drawings photographs and maps. 228 pages literally every page a photograph or illustration, lots of reference too.

Used in Very very good condition, all pages tight and clean, no inscriptions well bound, first edition 1996, did not come in hardcover, covers illustrated as in picture