The "Great Zimbabwe" in Masvingo

Several years ago, Gladys and I visited the "Great Zimbabwe"; a most interesting structure of stones built without any binding agent. Just stones fitted securely one upon the other.
There is, to this day discussion as to who were the builders.
We stayed overnight at a motel in the town of Masvingo. When we got up the next morning, one of the local kids had cleaned our car to within an inch of its life. It just glistened. Gladys, upon my question, suggested I should pay the lad the same amount as I would have had to pay in Toronto. So I did. 
This resulted in my just having hired a camera bag carrier and a guide, who knew the area, although communication was a bit difficult. He spoke no English and I spoke even less Shona.

No, Gladys is not holding up the wall. 

She is leaning against one of the outer walls of what is left of "the Great Zimbabwe"..... 

Note the snake pattern on the very top: a sign of Fertility. 

and also note that there is no binding agent between the building stones.

Four Ladies, visiting the site. 

This, unfortunately damaged site, clearly shows the absence of a binding agent.

At the foot of this tower stands our guide and carrier.
The purpose of this cone is also a matter of debate.
Since it has no opening at the bottom and is a solid structure, it cannot have functioned as a grain bin or similar purpose structure. One theory, which has been told us, is that it was erected to show all comers, friend or foe, that this is a mighty place with a tower reaching above its walls. 
In front, our new-found friend.