Some Zulu? Bits and Pieces.

[colin henshaw]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Colin,
Thanks again for your input. Strips of animal hide, that would make sense. Have you any ideas on the sticks particularly the one with the leather wrap at both ends presumably to stop the hand slipping. I have had another look at the small shield and it does show a reasonable amount of wear particularly on the hand loop. I would tend to agree it is more vintage than old. From what I can read it would appear the shield is a bit small for stick fighting but there is not a lot on the net to read. Interestingly enough the group also contained a swagger stick of the Cameronians who were active in S. Africa in the late 19th early 20thC. Thanks again.
My Regards,
Norman.


P.S. The photo I found on the net is purportedly from the 20's.

Thanks Norman. Regarding the shield ... the stick doesn't look like it belongs, they are usually thinner and don't extend past each end of the shield so far. In fact its similar to the other two sticks. The leather woven "turk's head" knots on the last stick look European ?? I remember a picture somewhere of a young Zulu man with lots of beadwork adornment and a very small shield like yours, described as "courting costume". But who knows ??

Regards,
Colin