Cattle are still a symbol of wealth even today. Image credit nehandaradio.com

Cattle are still a symbol of wealth even today. Image credit nehandaradio.com

ZIMSEC O Level History Notes: The importance of cattle in the Rozvi and Mutapa states

  • Cattle were at the center of every family’s wealth in both the Mutapa and Rozvi kingdoms.
  • They had various uses including:
  • Being a symbol of wealth and power.
  • They were used to bay the bride’s price (lobola/roora)
  • They were used as draught power.
  • They were used to make sacrifices during religious ceremonies
  • They were used in trade as exchange items.
  • They acted as an insurance against droughts.

To access more topics go to the History Notes page.