2. What is a Zulu Shield?
Zulu shields have been
around for hundreds of years.
Originally used as a
weapon, the Zulu shield is
now used for traditional Zulu
ceremonies such as weddings
and funerals.
There are 5 types of Zulu
shields that are used for
different occasions: the
Isihlangu, Umbumbuluzu, Ih
ubelo, Igqoka and Ihawu.
3. Materials
Zulu shields are made from cowhide and although you
can find shields from other hides such as Zebra and
Kudu, these shields would not be considered authentic
Zulu shields.
Cowhide color patterns will play a role in who has
what Zulu shield. The rare large white color shield will
be kept for a Zulu chief or high ranking warriors; while
the more common black shield would be for a normal
Zulu warrior. This would help in battle to know who
was in command.
4. What is it Used for?
Zulu shields were originally used in battle. However, in
our modern times they are mainly used for traditional
Zulu ceremonies; such as weddings and funerals.
These Zulu shields are also
often complemented with an
Assegai – a spear like weapon
as can be seen in the image to
the right.
5. Who Uses It?
Zulu shields are traditionally used by the Zulu tribe. It
distinguishes the various ranks of the warriors; and in
modern days it is mainly used as a traditional item for
ceremonies.
6. Using a Zulu Shield
Zulu shields are mainly used
for protection. The Zulu war
shield should be tall enough to
cover the owner’s body and it
is in an oval shape that is
Withstand any spear from penetrating it. Formal
training was not in use until King Shaka Zulu took
over the Mthetwa army and revolutionized the Zulu
weapons. Before this era the army was only trained
to throw spears, stab and shield.
7. Symbolic Marks
The most important aspects of these Zulu shields are
their colors and patterns:
Large white shields (about 5 ft. in size) were usually
reserved for Chiefs.
Smaller black or brown shields were used by normal
Zulu warriors.
Small red shields were used as courting shields, also
known as an Ihubelo.
8. Shields in the Society
Today shields play an important role in the Zulu
society as they are seen as traditional warrior items.
They are also seen as unique to the Zulu culture and are
sold in various traditional shops; especially for tourists.
Zulu traditions are still strongly practiced in many
traditional ceremonies amongst the Zulu culture. The
Zulu people comprises of almost 8 million people in the
Kwa-Zulu Natal region in South Africa and they
treasure the use of these shields as a matter of
symbolism.
9. Importance of Shields
The Zulu shield is a very important traditional item in
the Zulu culture; and they are just as popular today as
they were centuries ago – even though the main use of
the shield has shifted from a war tool to a traditional
item used in ceremonies.
The Zulu shield are still
very much treasured
amongst all of the Zulu
community and will
continue to do so.
