Empire of the South: Rozwi

Rozwi

Mambo(~King) Chibundule was associated with the rulers of the first Butwa state (A Bakalanga Kingdom), which is referred to in Portuguese records as the Torwa or Tolwa state. From the late 16th century Chibundule associated sites including the royal ruins at Khami. Mambo Chibundule of the Humbe/Wumbe (Bawumbe) clan was the supreme ruler of the Bakalanga. 

Chilisamhulu

From the eastern of the kingdom was the Moyo clan ruled by Chilisamhulu (other names: Nichisike, Nityisike, Nitjisike) roughly translates as "Lord Cha the creator". Lord Cha's followers were also known by two praise names: "Rozwi" or "the destroyers" and "Banyayi" or "the spies".

Chilisamhulu, wanted Chibundule's thrown but was initially unable to overcome the power of the Mambo (~King's) magic. Plots to poison or otherwise kill the Mambo all failed. Chilisamhulu decided to get at Chibundule by first having him enticed into marrying his daughter or sister Ninembwe of Moyo clan, who is also identified in some traditions as "Bagedze Moyo." It appears that Chibundule had a charm placed on himself granting him special power which was associated with his hair. Chilisamhulu learned this vulnerability from the Bakalanga(Mwali/Mwari) priests, for this reason Ninembwe married was to Chibundule.

Ninembwe was given instructions to cut the hair of the Mambo, hide the hair in her skirt then come back to the residency of Moyo clan. Some time after the marriage Ninebwe returned to the land of Moyo with the hair in her possession. The Banyayi medicine men had to undo the protection charms of humbe/wumbe & Balilima clans placed on Chibundule. Chilisamhulu ordered his warriors (the Rozwi) to attack Chibundule and his followers as custom, the Moyo regiments were accompanied by their women, who carried provisions and cooked for the warriors.

Meanwhile, Chibundule was in a relaxed state at his headquarters at the Mountains of the King (Matombo akaMambo), which were then also known as the Mountains of Bhuba (Matombo aBhuba). There his peace was suddenly interrupted by his chief councillor, who brought news of the enemy's advance. Chibundule immediately reached for his medicine calabash to use it to create a great smoke that would conceal his forces and confuse the enemy. But, the medicine had been rendered useless by Ninembwe's betrayal. The King then gathered his family and principal councillors to fight. A great fog is said to have descended onto the battlefield as the two armies fiercely clashed. The warriors could no longer tell if it was night or day.In the end, the Banyayi emerged as the victors. Chilisamhulu of the Moyo clan thus replaced Chibundule of the Humbe or Wumbe clan the new supreme ruler, Mambo, of the Bakalanga.

Chilisamhulu, son of Maluzapi, became known by the praise name, Nichasike, Lord Cha the creator. He is known for turning his warriors against the Portuguese slave traders in the east driving them out of the hills of Zimbabwe. 



Pages:  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9.

*Video: Empire of the South: Mutapa.

Sources

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