Final answer:
The elites of Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe acquired glazed ceramics through trade networks connected to the Indian Ocean, particularly involving trade with Swahili merchants who facilitated exchanges for goods such as Chinese Ming porcelain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elites of Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe acquired glazed ceramics from the Indian Ocean trade network. These trade networks connected the civilizations in southern Africa with distant lands including China, India, and Persia. Archaeological findings such as Chinese Ming porcelain, Persian ceramics, and glass beads from India confirm the extensive trade relations these kingdoms had with the broader Indian Ocean world. It is noteworthy that Swahili merchants played a significant role in this trade, exchanging gold, copper, and ivory for luxury goods such as Chinese Ming porcelain and glazed ceramics, which were highly prized by the African elites.