Elites and commoners at Great Zimbabwe: archaeological and ethnographic insights on social power

A groundbreaking study challenges traditional notions of social hierarchy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Zimbabwe (AD 1000–1700). By integrating new archaeological data with Shona philosophy and ethnography, researchers found that 'elite' and 'commoner' statuses were fluid and situational, rather than fixed categories. This African-centred perspective offers a nuanced alternative to global interpretive frameworks, providing valuable insights for the comparative archaeology of ancient cities.

Chirikure, S., Nyamushosho, R., Bandama, F., & Dandara, C. (2018). Elites and commoners at Great Zimbabwe: archaeological and ethnographic insights on social power. Antiquity, 92(364), 1056–1075. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2018.137