Antique & Militaria

**RARE**Victorian Zulu Wars Era Traditional Hand Crafted African Zulu Warrior’s Isihlangu Cow Hide War Shield With Correct Removable Wood Staff Handle. Sn 23522 - 23522

Zulu War shields were traditionally stockpiled by a Chief or King, to whom they belonged. True war shields are made of raw cattle hide, the shields, which are more than mere commodities for physical protection also acted as status symbols or Coat of Arms for a family or tribe. Consequently King Shaka meted out serious punishment to warriors who lost them. A warrior's duty was to return his shield to the king as a matter of honour and patriotism – to leave them in enemy hands or on foreign soil brought ill fame. The large Isihlangu war shield, was king Shaka's shield of choice. They were only carried by seasoned impi warriors serving the King in combat (illustrated in image 1 is a period photograph of a Zulu Chieftain with his war shield). This is a rare, Zulu Warrior’s Isihlangu war shield. The oval shield with staff / handle measures 4’8” x 2’ 2” width (the shield height itself is 44 ½”). The centre length of the shield has inserted sections of hide to create strength and identify a family or tribe. The rear has flaps of hide which hold the original removable wood staff / shaft which acts both as a staff for foraging and fighting and when inserted as a handle for the shield. We have not removed the staff from the shield as it is tightly fitted no doubt as the leather has shrunk with natural ageing. The price for this piece which would make a great addition to any ethnic or Zulu war collection includes UK delivery. Sn 23522

£895.00