Zulu spear

[colin henshaw]

Regarding the possible identification of "Zulu" spears, I have done a little research, and these are my findings :-

A differentiation should firstly be made between "made by the Zulus" and "used by the Zulus".

The book "Zulu Treasures" published by the KwaZulu Cultural Museum and the Local History Museums" 1996 has a good overview of Zulu metalworking and illustrates a number of spears. It states "the notching at the base of the blade is typical of North Nguni spears". "North Nguni" refers to Zulu, Matabele and Swazi peoples.

The National Museums Scotland website illustrates several spears from Malawi (ex Nyasaland) with the same notching to the base of the blade, and which are definitely not Zulu or even North Nguni.

The Zulus seemed to mainly use hide strip, or vegetable fibre binding to attach the spearhead (often covered by a section of cowtail). Plaited wire was more often used by tribes to the north, such as the Mashona.

In addition, there were offshoots of the Zulus who travelled further north, such as the Ngoni and Matabele who retained Zulu culture and manufactures, at least for a time.

Its probably safe to say that spears that evidence usage of metal files are of later date.

Its also true to say that other peoples near to the dominant Zulu, copied their material culture to an extent ... the Thonga of Mozambique for example.

So, the picture is a bit mixed regarding identification of spears as "Zulu", although it can be often quite likely as war booty, the only 100% sure method would be to have solid provenance, I guess.

Its an interesting topic ... does anyone else have more information to add ?

[kronckew]

I've read the tribes surrounding the Zulu that were essentially vassal tribes, supplied weapons as a tribute tax to the Zulu. The short hafted Ik'lwa, as far as I know, were peculiar to the post-Shaka Zulu regimental fighting style & life system. Did they recruit or form regiments from the vassal tribes?

[Kmaddock]

Hi All
Thanks for extra information, and two v nice acquisitions.
In Ireland the pickings are slim at the moment on the ethnic weaponry front. 18 th century swords are coming my way thick and fast though so not all bad news
Regards
Ken

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by kronckew

Did they recruit or form regiments from the vassal tribes?

Hi Wayne

From what I've read ... the Zulu kingdom was just a small clan in the very early 19th century, but under the dynamic leadership of King Shaka, it expanded greatly by both conquest of surrounding peoples and alliances. All males of a certain age within the Zulu Kingdom were required to serve as warriors for a fair period of time, and were more or less a standing army which could be called upon when needed.

I am attaching an illustration from Montague's book "Weapons and Implements of Savage Races" 1921 for interest.

[kronckew]

yes, the TV series 'SHAKA' follow that storyline. Worth watching. Spoiler: He gets assasinated in the end. King Cetshwayo (Zulu war 1879) did better, visiting London and was quite the hit there, returned to kwaZulu and ruled there till he passed in 1884.

The two ik'lwa stabbing spears are on the left, the 2 much longer isijula (light throwers) on the right, with long tangs like roman pila, possibly for the same reason the Romans did it.

King Cetshwayo: (I suspect the photo was flipped horizontally at some point in history. Hankie pocket should be on the left breast.)