Final answer:
The conical tower in the Great Zimbabwe likely served as a granary and symbolized the political power and resource control of the ruling elite. It underscores the civilization's hierarchical social order and regional trade significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city that showcases extensive stone architecture hailing from a powerful civilization that flourished between the 13th and 16th centuries. The conical tower within the Great Enclosure is believed to have had multiple functions, including possibly serving as a granary.
Scholars and archaeologists suggest that its presence within the monument that likely served as a royal residence emphasizes the significance of grain as a form of tribute in Shona society and underscores the political power and control of the ruling elite over resources.
The society of Great Zimbabwe was hierarchical, with a ruling elite living in a fortress and the king residing in a location perceived to be safe, yet central, likely atop the Hill Complex.
The ruins, especially the Great Enclosure and the conical tower, provide insight into the socio-political and economic structure of the civilization, which was connected with other similar stone fortresses and was engaged in extensive trade spanning as far as the Indian Ocean.
Although various theories exist regarding the precise function of the conical tower, most evidence points towards its role in asserting the power of the ruling family and in controlling food supply, which would correlate with options 2 and 3 from the question.
The Great Zimbabwe's societal setup, trade connections, and the layout of the structures including the conical tower all support this interpretation.