- kraal
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/krahl/, n.1. an enclosure for cattle and other domestic animals in southern Africa.2. a village of the native peoples of South Africa, usually surrounded by a stockade or the like and often having a central space for livestock.3. such a village as a social unit.4. an enclosure where wild animals are exhibited, as in a zoo.v.t.5. to shut up in a krall, as cattle.Also, craal.[1725-35; < Afrik < Pg curral pen; see CORRAL]
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In southern Africa, an enclosure or group of houses surrounding an enclosure for livestock, or the social unit that inhabits these structures.The term has been more broadly used to describe the associated way of life. Among some Zulus, the traditional kraal consists of a number of huts arranged in a circle around a cattle corral. Where polygyny is practiced, each wife often has her own hut. The word kraal has also been applied to the temporary encampments of the Masai of eastern Africa.* * *
enclosure or group of houses surrounding an enclosure for livestock, or the social unit that inhabits these structures. The term has been more broadly used to describe the way of life associated with the kraal that is found among some African, especially South African, peoples. Among certain peoples of KwaZulu/Natal (KwaZulu-Natal), for example, the kraal consists of a number of huts arranged in a circle around a cattle corral. polygyny is common, and each wife has her own hut within the kraal. The head of the kraal may have custody of the property attached to the houses of his several wives.The term has also been used to describe the encampments of the pastoral Masai (Maasai) of East Africa. The household may consist of an elderly father, his wives, and his married sons. This group migrates as a unit. During seasonal migrations, small, temporary kraals are built; there are also more permanent settlements. Women are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the kraal, and here too each wife has her own hut.The word kraal has also been applied to elephant corrals in Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.* * *
Universalium. 2010.