Zimbabwe bird ( Hungwe , the so-called shaman eagle in the Shawn language) - a figurine in the shape of a bird, a sculpture made of green soapstone , the national emblem of Zimbabwe, is depicted on the coat of arms , flag , coins of Zimbabwe and Rhodesia [1] [2] .
Content
Flags and Coins Images
Coat of arms of Zimbabwe
National flag of Zimbabwe.
Flag of Rhodesia 1979-1980.
Flag of Rhodesia 1968-1979.
reverse coins.
Coin Reverse
- Rhodesia , 20 cents, 1975 - 77
- Zimbabwe , 1 cent, 1980 - 88
- Zimbabwe, 1 cent, 1989 - 99
- Zimbabwe, 5 cents, 1980 - 99
- Zimbabwe, 10 cents, 1980 - 2001
- Zimbabwe, 20 cents, 1980 - 2002
- Zimbabwe, 50 cents, 1980 - 2002
- Zimbabwe, 1 dollar, 1980 - 2002
- Zimbabwe, 5 dollars, 2001 - 2002
History and Significance
The most famous statuette of this creature, nicknamed the Bird of Zimbabwe or Hungwe, was found in 1871 on the ruins of a temple (c. XIII century) in Greater Zimbabwe . In total, eight figurines were found; Seven were preserved completely, one partially. Five Hungwe figures were taken out by treasure seeker Cecil Rhodes at the end of the 19th century in South Africa . Four of them were returned by the South African government on Zimbabwean independence day, and the fifth remains in the former home of Rhodes (Groote Schuur) in Cape Town [3] .
Despite the considerable amount that allows us to determine the origin and significance of the Hungwe, there is controversy surrounding this legendary creature. Some researchers recognize in sculptures reaching a height of almost 40 cm, a stylized image of a river eagle widely used in southern Africa, which was a symbol of royal authority. Others are inclined to believe that statuettes are not related to birds at all, but are a figure of some mythological character, like a bird, the Phoenix .
Notes
- β Thomas N. Huffman. The Soapstone Birds from Great Zimbabwe (Neopr.) // African Arts. - 1985.- T. 18 . - S. 68-73.99-100 .
- β Paul Sinclair. Review: The Soapstone Birds of Great Zimbabwe Symbols of a Nation by Edward Matenga (Eng.) // The South African Archaeological Bulletin: journal. - 2001. - Vol. 56 . - P. 105-106 .
- β Hungwe (Zimbabwe bird)
Links
- Zimbabwe bird "flies" home , on Wednesday, 14 May 2003