insaka

plural insakas

1. A cultural center point within an African village. The community elders and leaders often gather under the Insaka to discuss community and business matters. The term insaka is most commonly used in the countries of Zambia and South Africa. In years gone by villages were established and built surrounding a large tree which served the purpose of the place to meet but in recent generations the Insaka is commonly built as a circular thatch roofed gazebo supported by wooden poles. A circle of low level walls serve as seating or as shelter from the wind. Larger insakas sometimes have fire-pits built in the center for winter warmth.