Zulu 1816–1906

A detailed investigation of Zulu weaponry, society, beliefs and rituals, particularly with regard to ceremonies conducted before and after battles.

Describes the uniforms, weaponry, rituals, military practices and daily life of the Zulu warrior between 1816 and 1906. The period includes the Zulu War and provides an insight into the historical background of the Zulu people in the context of modern South African politics.

Zulu military organisation was extremely sophisticated.

Warriors were organised into regiments with some form of basic uniform and shields were state-manufactured and owned. Yet, in spite of this sophistication, firearms were ill understood, and between 1816 and 1906 the Zulus maintained their primary reliance on hand-to-hand fighting.

In this book Ian Knight investigates Zulu weaponry in detail, and also their society, beliefs and rituals, particularly with regard to ceremonies conducted before and after battles. Tactics, dress and customs are also carefully examined, making this a thorough account of the Zulu warrior.