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an array of artworks were on display.
The event was held under the theme “Preserving Our Intangible Heritage for Future Generations” putting main focus on the culture which can not be documented in the museum.
The event was an extension of Culture Week. Some of the exhibitions included plays on traditional events such as nhimbe, mukwerera and how chiefs handled social cases such as divorce.

A typical Shona village with three huts and all the accessories was an interesting part of the exhibition.
The huts that comprised girls’ bedroom (nhanga), boys bedroom (gota) and the main hut with household utensils such as chisero, clay pots and features like huva and shelf made out of mud, were some of the attractions.

Heritage conservation in the form of Stone Age tools such as spears, axes, bow and arrow was also on display as a way of preserving our culture.
The importance of the country’s natural resources was displayed in the form of a model forest with plant and animal life that depends on each other for survival.

The forest had trees, grass and other forms of vegetation and animals such as buffaloes, leopard, hyena and python that had survived because of our cultural beliefs that discourages killing them.
Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa, who was the guest of honour at the event, reiterated the need to preserve culture.

“We have since realised that most schools record low marks in the Shona language, largely due to continued erosion of cultural activities that could aid our children in learning our native mother language,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador Xin Shunkung, who also graced the occasion, said he was greatly moved by the children’s performances, dances and other traditional showings.

“Zimbabwe is a country with a long history and rich culture like China.
“The traditional dances, poetry, drama and music are your entire intangible heritage which symbolises the flourishing African civilisation and deserves to be passed on to future generations,” he said.

Mr Shunkang donated some books and other gifts to the school.

Returning the gesture, Dudley Hall School gave him a sculpture of the Zimbabwe Bird as a token of appreciation.
Dudley Hall School has marked Culture Fair annually since 2004 and was the Pioneer Column’s first stop during its journey north before raising their flag at the Kopje.