  With the help of analytical and numerical studies of the $t$-$J_z$ model we
argue that the charge stripe in an antiferromagnetic insulator should be
understood as a system of holon-spin-polaron excitations condensed at the
self-induced antiphase domain wall. The structure of such a charge excitation
is studied in detail with numerical and analytical results for various
quantities being in a very close agreement. An analytical picture of these
excitations occupying an effective 1D stripe band is also in a very good accord
with numerical data. The emerging concept advocates the primary role of the
kinetic energy in favoring the stripe as a ground state. A comparative analysis
suggests the effect of pairing and collective meandering on the energetics of
the stripe formation to be secondary.
