Matabele Weaponry

[Mervyn Mitton]

I mentioned earlier that I think this assorted weaponry is all associated with the 1896/97 Rhodesia Rebellion.

From one source, it was probably collected at the time as souvenirs.

These are the official figures for the casualities.

The book they are from was re-printed in 1975 from the original Govt. Report on the "The Natve Disturbences

in Rhodesia 1896/97". The authors were Earl Grey and Hugh Hole. Makes very interesting reading if you can

find a copy - and of course, it set the scene for the next 85 years.

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[Mervyn Mitton]

This dramatic picture shows the Matabele weaponry very well. You will see that tey have the same way of

holding the shield (an Umbumbulu - or small fighting shield) as the Zulus - with spears held behind.

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[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

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The Matapos Hills are where Cecil Rhodes is buried - under a lovely bronze plate. There are other pictures posted on the Rhodesia - Success or Failure post.

[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

The map of Rhodesia in 1896 / 1897. Mashonaland is top right - Matabeleland lower left.

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[peter monahan]

Very interesting. I see that, given the attitudes of the time, the casualty report lists 'Europeans only'.