Beehive huts

Abstract

Drawing of beehive huts, depicting detail of a Xhosa beehive hut framework (umqolo/hoops, isibonda and izinti/tall saplings), a plan (isibonda, izinti/tall saplings, a woman's side, umqadi/upward curving beams, a man's side and intsika/stout posts with forked tops) and a section (isibonda, umqadi/upward curving beams, intsika/posts with forked tops and an iziko/a circular hearth). The Sotho beehive hut depicts detail of a framework and a plan (mohaoloana/raised platform of clay and mathule/a long porch). The Natal Nguni beehive hut depicts detail of a framework, a plan (umsamo/a raised ledge, a woman's side, izimpundu/raised mud wings, 2 pot rests, iziko/a circular hearth, izinsika/upright stakes, a man's side, ibala/space immediately around the hut and enclosure and iguma/a high reed screen) a section (ithala/space over the hearth, imishayo/curved timbers, izinsika/upright stakes, iziko/ a circular hearth and umsamo/a raised ledge) and thatching detail (umphetho/thick grass rope or withe and an ingqongwana/finial).