29th September 2006, 12:19 AM | #1 |
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ZULU?? SHONA?? HELP!!
Hi guys. Need your help on this one. I collect Ethiopian "stuff", but I could not resist buying this one as I thought it was SOOO neat. The shield is of course Zulu and the spear on the right looks like an assegai to me. I am puzzled by the mace and the other spear. They both have very nice and elaborate braiding of copper and brass wire on their shafts. And the mace is studded all around. What do you make of this? This display was assembled in Scotland quite a few years back. Are these four items of the same ethnic source? Thanks, RON
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29th September 2006, 12:26 AM | #2 |
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Here are the pictures.....
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29th September 2006, 02:36 AM | #3 |
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Wooha! that's a sweet mace
Now I REALLY want to start collecting African clubs. I saw a similar club with studs on ebay once...it was advertized as Zulu. So are these museum or did you get them? Congrats if you did! Emanuel |
29th September 2006, 03:36 AM | #4 |
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Yep! Bought this display a few years back.
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29th September 2006, 06:17 AM | #5 |
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Pleas show how the blade is attached to the haft on the right spear. Also show the butts and blades of both.
Can you alson show the back of the shield. What is the height and width of the shield. That is neat set, I wouldn't care what it is, I would have it in my house. |
29th September 2006, 07:05 AM | #6 |
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Hi. Shield is 54cms x 78cms. Got some pixs before my battery gave up... Here is blade and butt of spear on left. The butt end has a miniature blade (tip is covered by one of the studs) pointy but not sharp. Spear on right has no swelling at the butt and blade tang is wrapped with iron (?) wire. What do you think? Cheers, RON
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29th September 2006, 08:51 AM | #7 |
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Complimenti Roano!!! Very beautiful set!!! I never seen a zulu spear like the one on the left!!! It's also very nice the stand!!!
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29th September 2006, 11:13 AM | #8 |
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Hi Guys
They look Shona to me and not Zulu. Have never seen a Zulu stabbing spear with a back spike? Lew |
29th September 2006, 05:16 PM | #9 | ||
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From A.T. Bryant The Zulu People:
Quote:
Quote:
You should be able to see if your shield fits the Zulu pattern from this |
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29th September 2006, 07:01 PM | #10 |
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Thanks, Double D. The shield is a little smaller than the umBumbuluso. Though it could be it if there is enough shrinkage. How consistent were the shields in terms of size? I'll post more detailed pictures of the back. I am mostly curious about the mace and the spear on the left. Any imput? Cheers, Ron
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29th September 2006, 07:30 PM | #11 |
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My guess is that these are not precise measurement given feet is used and not just inches. I don't think your shield is a umBumbuluso as I don't think your articles are Zulu. They are similiar, but then all these tribes in this are are somewhat related aren't they?
Now if your all sad and dejected because we said you stuff isn't Zulu, I'll send you my address so you can send the stuff to me for disposal. That should make you feel better, I know it will me. |
29th September 2006, 09:08 PM | #12 |
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Zulu, Shona, Mbedele??? As long as they are NOT Ethiopian, they are all the same to me!! Now, for the disposal of said items: I REALLY appreciate your kind offer to help. We'll have to agree about who pays for shipping.... Cheers, Ron
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29th September 2006, 09:21 PM | #13 |
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Hi Roanoa,
nice collection......I too have reservations as to these being Zulu...the spears seem to have Zulu characteristics, the binding for example, but their overall shape and design is 'different' to most Zulu spears I have seen. The mace is great but I never seen this type attributed to the Zulu either. As you and Lew have pointed out. and DD hinted at...a neighbouring tribe seems likely....so the Shona could well the originators. There is, I suppose, a possibility of some of these weapons could have been traded or adapted (from 'war trophies') Which, if were 'collected' from the Zulu and would have had thier origins 'elsewhere'. Irrespective of all that........very ...VERY nice additions to anyone's collection |
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