The Kraal was a typical design for Zulu homesteads. The word is derived from the Portuguese “curral” and is similar to the Spanish “corral.” In the Zulu language they were known as Isibaya. Kraals were built as two circular stockades. The inner stockade protected the livestock during the night from wild animals and thieves. The outer stockade served as a fortified barrier to protect the settlement against enemy attack. The huts were constructed in a beehive shape and featured mud brick walls with grass domes. The outer walls were made from thorny acacia trees and were tightly compacted to create an impenetrable shield. The huts were arranged in ranking order and the one nearest the entrance was reserved for the village chief. Kraals were built on gentle slopes with the entrance facing downhill. This position allowed rainwater to drain away faster and made it difficult for an enemy having to attack uphill.
