South Africa, Zulu Warriors,20th Century

South Africa, Zulu Warriors,20th Century

Six Zulu men posed sitting on the ground near a small cauldron, facing front, eating. The Zulus had a citizen army called up in times of war although all Zulu men were required to do military service when they reached the age of 19 until the age of 40 when they were allowed to marry. The Zulu Impi (army) were made up of regiments called Amabutho. Each regiment had its own identifying features either jewelry or a headdress. They were equipped with large cowhide shields which were color coded: younger regiments mostly black shields and older regiments more white. This allowed a Zulu general to identify the different units on the battlefield easily. Zulus carried a heavy broad bladed stabbing spear and a throwing spear. The warriors were highly disciplined and organized. They could travel fast and were highly mobile able to cover around 20 miles in a day and fight at the end of it or twice that distance in an emergency. Frank and Frances Carpenter Collection, undated.

ZULU (19th century)

Album / Science Source / Library of Congress

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4500 x 3174 px | 40.9 MB

38.1 x 26.9 cm | 15.0 x 10.6 in (300 dpi)