It is a cob stripped of maize in an ashpit.
More Xhosa Proverbs:
There is no beast that does not roar in its den.Xhosa
A spy for both.
Xhosa
You are creeping on your knees to the fireplace.
Xhosa
A dog of the wind.
Xhosa
I rejoice that Kolomba's mother is dead.
Xhosa