Very old ? Zulu Assegai

Ron Anderson · 9th September 2010, 02:26 AM

Hi Tim and David

Tim, thanks for showing that sword. Very interesting. I'd agree with David that it seems to be a modification of the Iklwa. It does look like a long spear blade on a short handle (kind of like a straight-bladed Shotel actually, in its proportions).

I think that Tim nailed it on the head with the European influence, specifically British influence, looking at the timeline. In the early 1800s contact between Nguni and Europeans was minimal. By 1879, of course, there was a significant contact as the Zulu encountered first Boers, then British, moving inland.

The Boers never fought with swords. However, the British certainly did and the Zulu will have had plenty of opportunity to see cavalry and infantry regulation swords in action at close quarters.

Of course, 1879 is more than a half century after Shaka. Dingaan, Mpande and then Cetshwayo came to power and, by that time, the Zulu had certainly started wising up to the new European threat.

Fact is, by the battle of Isandlwana, Zulu would use captured firearms when possible. So why not adopt and adapt to the sword?

This makes sense.

Of course, it was still rare as hen's teeth. As you say, Tim, this is probably virtually a one-off. I've never seen any others.

9th September 2010, 02:26 AM	#11
Ron Anderson Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 228	Hi Tim and David Tim, thanks for showing that sword. Very interesting. I'd agree with David that it seems to be a modification of the Iklwa. It does look like a long spear blade on a short handle (kind of like a straight-bladed Shotel actually, in its proportions). I think that Tim nailed it on the head with the European influence, specifically British influence, looking at the timeline. In the early 1800s contact between Nguni and Europeans was minimal. By 1879, of course, there was a significant contact as the Zulu encountered first Boers, then British, moving inland. The Boers never fought with swords. However, the British certainly did and the Zulu will have had plenty of opportunity to see cavalry and infantry regulation swords in action at close quarters. Of course, 1879 is more than a half century after Shaka. Dingaan, Mpande and then Cetshwayo came to power and, by that time, the Zulu had certainly started wising up to the new European threat. Fact is, by the battle of Isandlwana, Zulu would use captured firearms when possible. So why not adopt and adapt to the sword? This makes sense. Of course, it was still rare as hen's teeth. As you say, Tim, this is probably virtually a one-off. I've never seen any others.