Mervyn Mitton Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 I notice that this page is also for Zulu items - but, have found only a few. Known as an Ingxotha (pronounced In-gotcha) the arm band above is the highest award the Zulu King could give and was their equivalent of a VC and the Order of the Garter. About 8 - 9 inches , it is made from cast brass. Three kings used it - Dingaan; Panda and Cetshwayo. Cetchwayo was king during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and this is of the pattern used during his reign. They were awarded to warriors who had greatly distinguished themselves in battle - and, also to very senior advisors to the king to show their rank. We don't know how many were actually given out, but only approx. 15 to 20 remain today.You had to be a braveman , even to receive the award ! The armband starts life as a sheet of cast brass, with the design in the casting - however, one side is smooth. The recipient has his arm (could be left or right) bound with wet hides and the flat - or, perhaps partly bent - red hot band is then beaten around , leaving the gap shown in the photograph. From then on it remains on the arm and they were usually buried with them - being brass it was a heavy item and must have been difficult to wear.Mervyn (I have a shield from Rorke's Drift and other items if anyone would like to see them?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 :jumping: Are you kidding!? Of course we (me at least) would like to see them.RegardsBrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Haynes Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 Very VERY nice! Thanks.More . . . begging nicely . . . ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted June 1, 2009 Author Share Posted June 1, 2009 (edited) This bravery award ranks below the arm band shown. Made from a thorn bush - they are now very rare - after all, the last one was awarded 131 years ago ! (from: Zulu Treasures) Edited June 1, 2009 by Mervyn Mitton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulsterman Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Good Lord!! That is FANTASTIC!!Are there any photos of these in wear by older vets?Is there any information about those that were won in 1879?Merwyn, you amaze me weekly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted June 1, 2009 Author Share Posted June 1, 2009 There are photos in existance - I will post them when I next see one. Very little is known pre 1879 and they ceased after that date. The Zulus did not have a written history - they have 'praise'singers', who still go before the Zulu King and the President.I have added a picture of Zulu metal workers in the other Arm Band post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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