The Mashona ; The Indigenouse Natives of Southern Rhodesai – Charles Bullock

Description

Charles Bullock : Native commissioner and examiner in Na tive Customs and administration South Rhodesia. Extract : In Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), African women have traditionally shared equal responsibilities and duties in public
administration, political affairs and national defense. In
the military service, women, like men, were involved in
combat duties. During the Mwenemutapa Empire, for example,
some of the best combat regiments in the Imperial Army were
made up only of women soldiers. These battle seasoned
regiments were commanded and led by capable and competent
women military officers. The regiments were made up principally of young and un-married women. A number of the
Emperors of this wealthy and powerful empire had great faith
and confidence in the fighting capabilities of their women
soldiers because many of them had distinguished themselves
in battle by their courage and bravery.l
This great military tradition has been maintained in
Zimbabwe and has surfaced in various forms and intensity
si nce 1890 when the country was formally colonized and subjugated by the British settlers. Because of the growing
military and racial conf~ontation between the Zimbabwe Liberation Army, the Military wing of the African National
Council, and the forces of the white racist minority regime
of Ian Smith, a number of African women of Zimbabwe are being
r ecruited to serve at various levels in the army of liberation.
The woman who is generally recognized by many Zimbabweans as the greatest military leader and freedom fighter
in recent history was Nehanda. Nehanda was a powerful and
influential woman who achieved her religio-political fame
and military greatness during the 1896 to 1897 Mashona- Matebele 2 war of national liberation against the oppressive and
dehumanizing forces of colonialism and economic exploitation
in Zimbabwe. This great and historical war of national liberation was waged against the British settlers who had
annexed the country as a British colony in September 1890.

This first edition 1950 has little corner bumping or edge wear. Hinges are solid, no shadowing. Ex library stamps, otherwise unmarked. Text has quite yellowed with age, tight in binding. Unclipped Dust wrapper has severe rubbing, wear and chipping. We have placed it in a protective cover. Cloth Over Boards. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Rough w/ Protective Cover. First Edition. See OUR OWN photograph of this book for Quality control