The 19th century Ndebele state in the eyes of contemporary observers from 1829 to 1893

Abstract

The 19th century Ndebele State received a number of foreign visitors. They included missionaries, explorers, hunters, traders and concession seekers. Many of them wrote as the travelled in different parts of the Ndebele State. They wrote extensively about the Ndebele State mainly from 1829 to 1893 paying particular attention to Ndebele politics, social life, modes of production, wildlife, ecology and their customs. This study analyses their various written narratives paying particular attention to contemporary observations, perceptions and impressions embedded in them. It argues that this primary documentation adds value to our understanding of the Ndebele society and economy. The study also helps us evaluate their contribution to Zimbabwean historiography in general and Ndebele history in particular.