Made from the distinctive patterned hides of native Nguni cattle, these impressive Zulu shields were acquired by the Museum in 1884.
The Zulu assembled one of the most organised and disciplined indigenous armies in Africa, and fought famously brutal battles against neighbouring tribes and colonial forces. The shields were collected during the Anglo–Zulu Wars of the late 1870s which led to the British annexation of the Zulu kingdom.
The shields are powerful reminders of Africa’s bloody colonial history, but also reflect the importance of the Nguni cattle for the Zulu. The king’s cattle herd was selected and bred especially to produce shields with particular colour patterns. Large shields were used for combat, while smaller shields served ceremonial purposes.
No less impressive are the delicate bead necklaces made by Zulu women. For over 200 years, South African women and girls have been making glass bead ornaments which figure prominently during courtship. Each colour carries a meaning and the different patterns signify the wearer’s marital status.
In the centre, the striking wooden bow-stand belonged to a high chief of the Luba people of Katanga, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. The carved female figure, which featured on the possessions of only the highest chiefs, symbolised the role of woman as the creator of the world. The Luba were united into a kingdom some 500 years ago, gradually expanding into a large empire. They resisted the incursions of slave and ivory traders before finally succumbing to Belgian colonial forces in 1917 after several uprisings.
On the left is an intriguing animal with no living relatives. Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Aardvark is the only remaining species in the order Tubulidentata and alone embodies nearly 90 million years of evolutionary heritage. It is in no danger of extinction, but due to its evolutionary distinctiveness is considered a ‘bright spot’ on the tree of life. This specimen died in captivity in London Zoo and was acquired in 1884. It is making a welcome return to the Long Gallery, as it was displayed here about 100 years ago.