Subject: induna chief
Culture: Zulu
Setting: Zulu empire, Natal 19thc
Object: ishilunga large shield, umbumbluzo small shield
* Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art > Weapons and Warriors: The Art of Armaments
"Zulu War Shield
cowhide" ...
American Museum of Natural History > Hall of African Peoples *
* Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology > Arts of War
"Zulu,
Southern Africa
Slits were cut into the cow hide of this Zulu shield and a hide braid was inserted to bind the reinforcing wooden shaft to the shield and provide a hand grip. The color of the braid was selected to stand out against the hide background, thereby making the Zulu shield, or ishilunga, instantly recognizable. Young men were inducted into warrior regiments in large groups and the king would select a cattle coat color and pattern for the regiment. The design of Zulu shields was not individualized and when not in use, they were stored together in armories."
Best Gem & Diamond *
* National Museum of Ireland -- Decorative Arts and History > Soldiers and Chiefs: The Irish at War at Home and Abroad since 1550
"Zulu Umbhumbhulosu Shield, 1879" ...
