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Matabele Tree-Houses
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Matabele Tree-Houses
Showing a big tree capable of holding many small domed dwellings which kept their inhabitants (the Bakuens of South Africa) safe from wild animals
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 588904
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10171392
Capable Domed Dwellings Giant Inhabitants Matabele Missionary Regional Safe Wild
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, brought to you by Mary Evans Picture Library, transports us back in time to the 19th century in South Africa, where the Bakuens, a Matabele people, resided in tree houses that offered them a unique and effective solution for safety against wild animals. The image showcases a grand Matabele tree, a century-old giant, capable of holding multiple small, domed dwellings. These tree houses were not only an architectural marvel but also an integral part of the Bakuens' cultural heritage. The history of these tree houses dates back to the mid-19th century when European missionaries first encountered the Bakuens in the Mid-Regional District of South Africa. The missionaries were intrigued by the Bakuens' innovative use of the Matabele tree, which could support the weight of several small, domed buildings. These structures were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with their smooth, curved exteriors blending seamlessly into the natural environment. The inhabitants of these tree houses lived in harmony with nature, using the tree's strength to protect themselves from wild animals that roamed the forests. The domed dwellings provided a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, allowing the Bakuens to keep watch for any potential threats. The tree houses also offered a certain level of privacy and seclusion, adding to their allure. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Bakuens, who found a way to live in harmony with their environment while ensuring their safety. The image invites us to reflect on the rich history and cultural diversity of South Africa and the innovative solutions that have emerged from the natural world.
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