How were Xhosa rondavels constructed and roofed?

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African architecture The Great Zimbabwe complex, near Masvingo, south-central Zimbabwe.

The Xhosa people traditionally construct the rondavel, a cylindrical, single-cell house characterized by a conical thatched roof.1

Regarding their construction methods, a common technique involves building a wall using a ring of posts. This frame is then filled with wattles or basket weave, which is subsequently packed and plastered with mud to create a solid structure. In some instances, the rings of posts may be filled with packed earth, while in more wooded regions, the walls may consist primarily of timber posts. The resulting dwelling is typically undivided and receives illumination solely through the doorway.1