Rozvi State

ROZVI STATE
ORIGINS OF THE ROZVI
Changamire Dombo was the founder of the state. He was believed to have originated from a
religious and military family. Changamire Dombo was also a cattle owner who had a very large army
in Mutapa State. In the East of the Mutapa State was an area called Guruuswa. In that area was the
Torwa State which had remained strong and independent of Mutapa Empire. Changamire Dombo
managed to attack and conquer the Torwa State and established his capital at Danangombe. Due to
his powerful army, the Torwa gave them the name Rozvi meaning destroyers. Changamire Dombo
extended his state to Butua and Manyika areas and at its peak it covered most present day
Zimbabwe. Changamire Dombo had special powers to make rain, make soldiers brave and change
the colour of cattle (magician). He died in 1695 in Manyika after defeating the Portuguese. Other
Changamires include Chirisamhuru, Gumboreshumba, Gomoremvura, Rupandamanhanga and
Nechagadzike.
POLITICAL ORGANISATION
The king was the head of the state. He had the following duties:
-Religious and political leader
-Received tribute
-Allocated land to chiefs
-Head of judiciary
-Army commander
-Kept cattle taken from those found guilty of serious offences eg witchcraft
-Installation of new chiefs with the help of priests.
A council called “Dare” advised the king when ruling. Members of the council included priests,
military leaders, provincial governers to mention a few. Vanyai acted as an intelligent network which
brought information from provinces to the king. Priests of the Mwari cult strenghthened mambo’s
role as well as limiting his power militarily. Tribute was paid in the form of cloth, beads, hoes,axes,
gold, ivory, animal skins, cattle, grain, to mention a few. The army was vital as it ensured peace and
security in the state. It defeated internal rebellions, kept out Portuguese from the state and
protected trade routes.
ECONOMIC ORGANISATION
Pastoralism- Cattle, sheep and goats were kept. Cattle were vital as they were a symbol of wealth,
used for paying tribute, trade in times of drought and paying bride price. There was a system called
“kuronzera” in which the rich could loan the poor cattle. Those who were loaned cattle could use
them for ploughing fields, get milk and herd cattle, but they were not allowed to kill the cattle
without informing the owner.
Trade- Internal and external trade was done. Internally, they exchanged bangles, ivory, soapstone,
beads, cloth, ostrich egg shells etc. Externally, they traded with the Swahili & Portuguese via
“vashambadzi ” for rice, beans, vegetables and fruits. In return, the Portuguese and Swahili got gold
and ivory.
Tribute-Chiefs in conquered areas paid tribute to the king as a sign of allegiance. Every subject was
also expected to pay tribute in the form of cloth, beads, gold, animal skins, grain etc.
Mining-Gold was mined at Butua. Iron was used for tool making and copper for making bangles.
Those who made tools were called blacksmiths.
Pottery making-Pots were made for storing grain, water and milk.
Raiding-Neighbouring states were raided for cattle, grain and women.
Hunting and gathering- Hunting was done by men whereas gathering was done by women. Women
gathered berries, roots and insects. Men got animals and hides.
Crop cultivation- Crops such as millet, sorghum, peas, watermelons & tobacco were grown.
Fishing- was done to supplement their diet.
SOCIAL ORGANISATION
People were organised into homesteads. Homesteads were related to the moyo totem. There was
sexual division of labour. Men built huts, herd cattle, made tools and skinned animals whereas
women did household chores such as cooking, fetching water and making pottery. They believed in
God whom they worshipped through Shona priests. Shona priests were believed to link the living
and the dead. They believed mambo descended from God so they respected them. They believed in
ancestral spirits and other spirits in mountains. They also danced on vital occasions such as
weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies etc.
DECLINE OF THE ROZVI STATE

Rozvi State

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ROZVI STATE

ORIGINS OF THE ROZVI

-Religious and political leader

-Allocated land to chiefs

-Installation of new chiefs with the help of priests.

Raiding-Neighbouring states were raided for cattle, grain and women.

Fishing- was done to supplement their diet.

DECLINE OF THE ROZVI STATE

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