pazulu

Hi milton I still have not received a reply from you regarding the zulu merchandise still searching for an ishanglu

Hi - pazulu - welcome to GMIC . Strange to have someone from Texas using the name Zulu ? Have you visited here or, is it from the New Orleans Mardi Gras team (can't think what they call these groups) ? The majority of Zulu material in the US has been brought back as souvenirs and eventually goes on the market as genuine items - which of course, they are not. There are many genuine collectors, however.

My Profile page gives my email - however, on this one occasion I will give my web - don't like to do this on our threads as I am a member not acting as a shop. www.cathaymilitaria.co.za I warn you now, the genuine items are rare and expensive. Mervyn

thanks mervyn i sent u an email with questions after visiting your site

nice blade may I ask you whre can one obtain such a fine piece of history? I have a vendor at a flee market and he claims to have a few zulu spears but i am unsure of its authentication can u help me ?

I never intended to make this a long, drawn out thread - but rather to add good items as they came-in. I have just purchased a small collection of early Zulu weapons and think that members will be interested in some of them.

The first is exceptionally rare - an Iklwa, or short stabbing spear - it has features that show it was intended to be carried by an important person. Possibly a chief , or Induna, even a member of the Royal House. Firstly, it has a blade 20 inches long (50cm) - but , overall, it is only 42 inches (107cm) - this makes it one of the longest blades I have seen - 18" or, 19" can be found, but even they are rare. The other distinguishing feature is the carving on the end of the shaft. Zulu spears normally have a flared end - stops the hand slipping off when it is covered in blood - but only those for important chiefs have this type of decoration. The point to remember is that the spear was used as a pointing instrument to direct warriors in battle - and, therefore, the blade and end, would help identify the carrier.

Age is always difficult to determine, but in this case I think we can safely say Zulu War of 1879 - or, possibly even earlier. The middle of the binding (see close-ups) was originally of cow's tail , this has either been damaged in battle ,or has worn - repairs have been made with fine quality brass and copper wire - probably from the Portuguese.

I will start with this one and continue in a day, or so, with another Iklwa and two fine fighting axes.

nice blade may I ask you whre can one obtain such a fine piece of history? I have a vendor at a flee market and he claims to have a few zulu spears but i am unsure of its authentication can u help me ?