Description
New Made Item: This is a beautiful reproduction of the traditional battle shield of the ZULU tribe warriors under their leader Shaka known as an Isihlangu. Every shield is hand made in the traditional fashion from a different animal so no two will be exactly the same meaning the color, pattern, shape, hide thickness, and other features will vary.
Approximate measurements:
Shield height: 36″- 38″
Shield width: 20″- 22″
Shaft Height: 46″- 48″
The making of Zulu shields, both for ceremony and war, was a specialized craft. Hide was taken from the back of an animal, pegged out in the sun to harden and dry then buried under manure for at least two days before being pounded with stones. The characteristic oval shape was cut and a central stick support secured by leather loops. Two columns of small horizontal slits were cut in the face of the shield and supple pieces of leather interwoven between them down each side of the stick to give the central section a double thickness.
Cow-hide shields known as Isihlangu were developed in the early 19th century by Shaka kaSenzangakhona, a great warrior king and innovator who transformed Zulu warriors into a potent military machine. Shaka also introduced a new short, stabbing spear and a new style of fighting whereby the Zulu could barge his enemy off balance with the shield, or use it to…
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