Zulu Dawn:“Excuse me, my Lord, there's something I must convey to you. I rode along the track down to Rorke's Drift. The sky above is red with fire. Your orders my Lord? Do we move to the drift?”
Fair use notice.
This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner.
We are making such material and images are available in our efforts to advance the understanding of the “Anglo Zulu War of 1879. For educational & recreational purposes.
We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, as provided for in UK copyright law. The information is purely for educational and research purposes only. No profit is made from any part of this website.
If you hold the copyright on any material on the site, or material refers to you, and you would like it to be removed, please let us know and we will work with you to reach a resolution.
Posts : 1 Join date : 2013-03-02 Location : Fort Erie Ontario (1812)
Subject: Zulu Shield Sat Mar 02, 2013 6:18 pm
Hello, I'm new to this forum, so please forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong area.
I recently purchase a Zulu shield. It is black and white with wooden shaft mounted through loops on the back of the shield. I have seen photos of large shields (I would estimate 5'-6' tall) and the small fertility shields. My shield is approximately 4' tall. What info can I glean from the experts regarding this shield?
impi
Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 41
Subject: Re: Zulu Shield Sat Mar 02, 2013 9:13 pm
Hi Rose. Welcome to the forum. Are you able to post a photo of the shield inquestion.
Here's some information to be getting on with. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Ken Gillings
Posts : 205 Join date : 2009-10-20 Age : 74 Location : Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Subject: Re: Zulu Shield Sun Mar 03, 2013 6:18 am
Rose, here is a copy of the slide I use for my talk on Zulu military systems. Note that shields were issued to the amabutho when they reported for their duty at the main ikhanda (military barracks):
Several types: small courting shields, dancing shields and the man-sized war shield Normally cut from one hide Decorated by two slits cut lengthwise and intertwined with strips of hide of contrasting colour (iGabelo (pl iliGabelo)) Role of the iGabelo is to strengthen the shield, keep it stiff and to assist the amabutho in swinging it around rapidly Centre stick sharpened and used to jab or trip opponent Top projection used to protect face or head Used in close combat to hook the left edge of their own shield behind the outer edge of the enemy’s shield, to expose the enemy’s left flank to the iklwa…
Home 
Gallery 
Search 
Register 
Log in 
