In about 1250, stone structures began to be constructed at Great Zimbabwe, comprising drystone walls forming enclosures, platforms to support huts and a massive enclosure containing a conical tower. Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the rulers of a society that drew its wealth from both cattle-keeping and trading with the coastal states of East Africa.

Soapstone bird carvings were found on walls and monoliths of the ancient city of ‘Great Zimbabwe’.

Although these soapstone birds were discovered at ‘Great Zimbabwe’ approximately 760 years ago, stone carving appeared to have perished with the great kingdom of Monomutapa i.e. it was not a tradition that was continued and prospered or found in other ruins/peoples homes from this era.