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This book is an examination of Shona culture and its various aspects in the Zimbabwean novel in indigenous languages. It discusses Nobert Mutasa´s portrayal of Shona culture of the 18th century. It focuses on his portrayal of Shona institutions like marriage, kurova guva, kugara nhaka and chieftainship among others. It examines the fundamental principles that governed the Shona pre-colonial society that could help us in the development of Zimbabwe today. The present researcher maintains that Mutasa´s portrayal of the 18th century Shona social institutions has much relevance to the present society. This is because the fundamental principles he portrays could help to improve the present social institutions. His positive portrayal of the Shona pre-colonial society also helps to change the misrepresented image of Africa by earlier Eurocentric critics who viewed it as barbaric.

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Enna Sukutai Gudhlanga is a full time lecturer at Zimbabwe Open University; Department of Languages and Media Studies. She holds a BA Gen, BA Special Honours and Masters in African Languages and Literature from the University of Zimbabwe. Her main concern is the ultimate self-definition and complete mastery of the African people´s own life.

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