62-522: Dingane ka Senzangakhona Zulu ( c. 1795 –29 January 1840), commonly referred to as Dingane or Dingaan , was a Zulu prince who became king of the Zulu Kingdom in 1828, after assassinating his half-brother Shaka Zulu . He set up his royal capital, uMgungundlovu , and one of numerous military encampments, or kraals , in the eMakhosini Valley just south of the White Umfolozi River , on
124-639: A syncretic religion that is combined with the Zulu's prior belief systems. The Zulu were originally a minor clan in what is today Northern KwaZulu-Natal , founded c. 1574 by Zulu kaMalandela . In the Nguni languages , iZulu means heaven or weather . At that time, the area was occupied by many large Nguni communities and clans (also called the isizwe people or nation, or called isibongo , referring to their clan or family name). Nguni communities had migrated down Africa's east coast over millennia, as part of
186-500: A creator God ( uNkulunkulu ) who is above interacting in day-to-day human life, although this belief appears to have originated from efforts by early Christian missionaries to frame the idea of the Christian God in Zulu terms. Traditionally, the more strongly held Zulu belief was in ancestor spirits ( amaThongo or amaDlozi ), who had the power to intervene in people's lives, for good or ill. This belief continues to be widespread among
248-533: A foothold among the Zulu people, and when it did it was in a syncretic fashion. Isaiah Shembe , considered the Zulu Messiah , presented a form of Christianity (the Nazareth Baptist Church ) which incorporated traditional customs. Furthermore, the Zulu people also practice a ceremony called Ukweshwama . The killing of the bull is part of Ukweshwama, an annual ceremony that celebrates a new harvest. It
310-697: A male figure. Most Zulu people state their beliefs to be Christian . Some of the most common churches to which they belong are African Initiated Churches , especially the Zion Christian Church , Nazareth Baptist Church and United African Apostolic Church , although membership of major European Churches, such as the Dutch Reformed , Anglican and Catholic Churches are also common. Nevertheless, many Zulus retain their traditional pre-Christian belief system of ancestor worship in parallel with their Christianity. Traditional Zulu religion includes belief in
372-595: A native people of Southern Africa of the Nguni . The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa , with an estimated 14.39 million people, in total of which 13.78 million people live in South Africa , mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal . They originated from Nguni communities who took part in the Bantu migrations over millennia. As the clans integrated, the rulership of Shaka brought success to
434-455: A necklace, the beads were displayed in a criss-cross formation across the shoulders. This assemblage of beads by the warriors represented a symbol of bravery. Before the use of glass was apparent to the Zulu, beadwork was derived from wood, seeds and berries. It was not until the arrival of Europeans that glass became a trade material with the Portuguese, which soon became abundantly available to
496-588: A protest movement against Apartheid but held more conservative views than the ANC . For example, Inkatha was opposed to the armed struggle, and sanctions against South Africa. Inkatha was initially on good terms with the ANC, but the two organisations came into increasing conflict beginning in 1976 in the aftermath of the Soweto Uprising . The language of the Zulu people is "isiZulu", a Bantu language ; more specifically, part of
558-527: A small amount of corn or sit down with him for prayer unless ordered to do so. Dingane kept his 500 or so concubines in severe bondage. He referred to them as his sisters or children, and placed them in various ranks. They could leave the royal enclosure only with his permission, and when doing so were not allowed to cast an eye on any man or boy. Owen observed them a few times outside the palace, once when brought out to sing, and also when they were instructed to bring him thatch for his hut. Some would run away when
620-407: A variety of attire, both traditional for ceremonial or culturally celebratory occasions, and modern Westernised clothing for everyday use. The women dress differently depending on whether they are single, engaged, or married. The men wore a leather belt with two strips of hide hanging down front and back. In South Africa, the miniskirt has existed since pre-colonial times. In African cultures, such as
682-601: A woman is pregnant she wears an "isibamba ", a thick belt made from dried grass, covered with glass or plastic beadwork, to support her swelling stomach and its additional weight. The Zulu people govern under a patriarchal society. Men are perceived as the head of the household and seen as authoritative figures. Zulu men identify themselves with great pride and dignity. They also compare themselves to qualities of powerful wild animals such as bulls, lions and elephants. The men contribute to society by acting as defenders, hunters, and lovers. The Zulu men are also in charge of herding
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#1732851852184744-415: A young boy is seen wearing multiple necklaces, it is a sign that he is highly interested in these gifts from various girls. The more gifts he wears, the higher the prestige he obtains. Various forms of beadwork are found in different colour schemes. Typically, there are four different types of colour schemes: The colours of beads might hold different meanings based on the area that they originated from. It
806-584: Is a day of prayer when Zulus thank their creator and their ancestors. By tradition, a new regiment of young warriors is asked to confront a bull to prove its courage, inheriting the beast's strength as it expires. It is believed this power was then transferred to the Zulu king . Zulu people have a system called ilobolo . This term is particularly used by Zulu people when it comes to bride wealth. Every African ethnic group has different requirements when it comes to bride wealth . In pre-capitalist Zulu society, ilobolo
868-427: Is a symbol of her being ready to accept a boyfriend and even get married. Additionally, each stage of a Zulu's life is determined by a specific type of clothing. An unmarried woman wears a skirt and nothing on top, but as she grows up, the woman starts to cover up her body because a time will come when she will be a married woman and an old woman. Nonetheless, a special type of clothing is reserved for pregnant women. When
930-513: Is featured during the coming of age for a young girl or worn during dances. The beaded elements complement the costumes worn by the Zulu people to bring out a sense of finery or prestige. Beadwork is worn by all men, women, and children at any age. Depending on which stage of life an individual is in, the beadwork indicates different meanings. Beadwork is predominantly worn when young Zulu people are courting or in search of love affairs. The wearing of decorative beadwork can act as an attempt to grab
992-405: Is often that this can lead to misrepresentation or confusion when attempting to understand what the beadwork is communicating. One cannot assume that the colour system is standard across South Africa . In some areas, the colour green symbolises jealousy in a certain area, but in other areas it symbolises grass. One must know the origin of the beadwork to interpret the message correctly. Zulus wear
1054-480: Is to injure the opponent and sometimes even kill. There are rules of etiquette that must be abided by when stick fighting. The men can only fight a man the same age as them. One cannot hit the opponent when they lose their stick. Only sticks are allowed when fighting. The women in Zulu society often perform domestic chores such as cleaning, raising children, collecting water and firewood, laundry, tending to crops, cooking, and making clothes. Women can be considered as
1116-460: The Bantu migrations . As the nation began to develop, the rulership of Shaka brought the clans together to build a cohesive identity for the Zulu. The Zulu nation's growth and strength were based on its military organization and skills during Shaka's reign and those of his successors. The military was organized around the ukubuthwa ("to be enrolled") system, which did away with initiation ceremonies for
1178-525: The Mthethwa Empire and successor to Dingiswayo , united what was once a confederation of lordships into an imposing empire under Zulu hegemony . Shaka built a militarized system known as Impi featuring conscription, a standing army, new weaponry, regimentation, and encirclement battle tactics. Zulu expansion was a major factor of the Mfecane ("Crushing") that depopulated large areas of southern Africa. It
1240-483: The Nguni subgroup. Zulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, where it is an official language . More than half of the South African population can understand it, with over 13.78 million first-language and over 15 million second-language speakers. Many Zulu people also speak Xitsonga , Sesotho and others from among South Africa's 12 official languages . The Zulu people celebrate an annual event that
1302-465: The Nguni peoples in Southern Africa are a type of sacrificial ceremony of giving the first fruits in a harvest to God believed to be responsible for the abundance of food. It was performed by the high priests of the kingdom, and the king was always in attendance. Traditionally, it marked a time of prosperity in the good harvests experienced after the seasonal agricultural period. It also brought
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#17328518521841364-516: The Weenen massacre . The nearby present-day town of Weenen ( Dutch for "weeping") was named by early settlers in memory of the massacre. Dingane ordered his army to seek and kill the group of Voortrekkers under Andries Pretorius . The Zulu impis attacked the Voortrekker encampment, but they were defeated in the ensuing Battle of Blood River . An estimated 3,000 Zulus were killed. Dingane's commander at
1426-669: The Basotho, the Batswana, the Bapedi, the Amaswati and the AmaZulu, women wore traditional miniskirts as cultural attire. These skirts are not seen as shameless, but are used to cover the women's genitals. The skirts are called isigcebhezana and are essential in Zulu ceremonies. For example, Umemulo is a ceremony for women who turn 21 years of age. It represents a huge transition in the woman's life because it
1488-878: The British colony of Natal . Under apartheid , the homeland of KwaZulu ( Kwa meaning place of ) was created for the Zulu people. In 1970, the Bantu Homeland Citizenship Act provided that all Zulus would become citizens of KwaZulu, losing their South African citizenship. KwaZulu consisted of many disconnected pieces of land, in what is now KwaZulu-Natal . Hundreds of thousands of Zulu people living on privately owned "black spots" outside of KwaZulu were dispossessed and forcibly moved to bantustans – worse land previously reserved for whites contiguous to existing areas of KwaZulu. By 1993, approximately 5.2 million Zulu people lived in KwaZulu, and approximately 2 million lived in
1550-729: The Lubombo mountains. A group of Nyawo and Swazi assassinated him in Hlatikhulu Forest . Dingane's grave is near Ingwavuma in the Hlatikulu Forest, an hour's drive from Tembe elephant park. Sir Henry Rider Haggard's novels Nada the Lily and Marie include versions of some events in Dingane's life, as does Bertram Mitford 's 1898 novel The Induna's Wife. Zulu people Zulu people ( / ˈ z uː l uː / ; Zulu : amaZulu ) are
1612-666: The Umgungundhlovu enclosure, supplied with beer and seated in a semi-circle, a few rows deep. Dingane reacted with some irritation to the message, proclaiming that it was old news to them, and incompatible with their views: "I and my people believe there is only one God – I am that God. ... I am the Great Chief – the God of the living; Umatiwane [whom I killed] is the Great Chief of the wicked." Dingane built his capital city of umGungundlovu in 1829 and enlarged it five years later. UmGungundlovu
1674-480: The Umhlanga. The beadwork is not only worn by the dancers but by the guests as well. The Umhlanga is not purely for a time of dance. The King also uses this time to speak to the young men and women of the nation. The King discusses current political issues. The creation of beadwork dates back to the times of war for the Zulu people. This particular form of beadwork was known as iziqu , medallions of war. Often worn as
1736-567: The Zambezi River at Chirundu in 1835 into Zambia setting up the Ngoni nation that extended to Malawi, Mozambique and Southern Tanzania. In mid-December 1878, envoys of the British crown delivered an ultimatum to 11 chiefs representing the then-current king of the Zulu empire, Cetshwayo . Under the British terms delivered to the Zulu, Cetshwayo would have been required to disband his army and accept British sovereignty. Cetshwayo refused, and war between
1798-474: The Zulu nation due to his improved military tactics and organization. Zulus take pride in their ceremonies such as the Umhlanga , or Reed Dance, and their various forms of beadwork. The art and skill of beadwork take part in the identification of Zulu people and act as a form of communication and dedication to the nation and specific traditions. Today, the Zulu people are predominantly Christian , but have created
1860-421: The Zulu. Beadwork is a form of communication for the Zulu people. Typically when one is wearing multiple beads, it is a sign of wealth. The more beads one is wearing, the wealthier they are perceived. The beads have the potential to convey information about a person's age, gender and marital status. The design of the beads often conveys a particular message. However, one must know the context of their use to read
1922-635: The Zulus and African contingents of the British crown began on January 12, 1879. Despite an early victory for the Zulus at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22 January, the British fought back and won the Battle at Rorke's Drift , and decisively defeated the Zulu army by July at the Battle of Ulundi . After Cetshwayo's capture a month following his defeat, the British divided the Zulu Empire into 13 "kinglets". The sub-kingdoms fought amongst each other until 1883 when Cetshwayo
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1984-532: The attention of someone of the opposite sex. Also, the gifting of beadwork is a way of communicating interest with lovers. During the transition from single to married women, beadwork is shown through a beaded cloth apron worn over a pleated leather skirt. As for older or mature women, beadwork is displayed in detailed headdresses and cowhide skirts that extend past the knee. These long skirts are also seen on unmarried women and young marriageable-age girls. Men are more conservative when wearing beadwork. However, when
2046-482: The battle was Ndlela kaSompisi . In January 1840, Pretorius and a force of 400 Boers helped Mpande in his revolt against his half-brother Dingane, which resulted in the latter's overthrow and death. Mpande succeeded Dingane. At the Battle of Maqongqo , many of Dingane's own men deserted to Mpande's army. Dingane had his general, Ndlela kaSompisi , executed, and with a few followers, he sought refuge in Nayawo territory on
2108-597: The cattle, educating themselves on the lives of disciplined warriors, creating weapons, and learning the art of stick fighting. The art of stick fighting is a celebration of manhood for Zulu men. These men can begin to learn this fighting art form as young as the age of five years old. There are multiple reasons why men learn how to stick fight. For example, men may want to learn so that they can set right any wrongs or insults made towards them. Other reasons some men choose to learn are for sporting purposes, proving skills or manliness, and self-defence. The goal of stick fighting
2170-404: The command of a close relative to (or someone else appointed by) the king. The barracks were designed and laid out similarly to an umuzi , but on a much larger scale. Aside from military duties, the izinsizwa ("young men") were also responsible for the repair and maintenance of their barracks. The Zulu formed a powerful state in 1816 under the leader Shaka . Shaka, as the Zulu commander of
2232-468: The community, one's isithunzi . By contrast, acting in a negative way towards others can reduce the isithunzi , and the isithunzi can fade away completely. To appeal to the spirit world, a diviner ( sangoma ) must invoke the ancestors through divination processes to determine the problem. Then, a herbalist ( inyanga ) prepares a mixture ( muthi ) to be consumed to influence the ancestors. As such, diviners and herbalists play an important part in
2294-416: The complex, directly opposite the main entrance. The king, his mistresses and female attendants (Dingane never married officially), a total of at least 500 people, resided here. The women were divided into two groups: the black isigodlo and the white isigodlo . The black isigodlo comprised about 100 privileged women, and within that group was another elite, the bheje , a smaller number of girls favoured by
2356-509: The contents of the document or have understood the concept of permanent land ownership since it was not a custom of the Zulus to assign land to individuals permanently. On 6 February 1838, after two days of feasting, the chief had Retief and his diplomatic party killed. They had been told to leave their firearms outside the royal kraal. Suddenly, when the dancing had reached a frenzied climax, Dingane leapt to his feet and shouted Bulalani abathakathi! The men were overpowered and dragged away to
2418-423: The daily lives of the Zulu people. However, a distinction is made between white muthi ( umuthi omhlope ), which has positive effects, such as healing or the prevention or reversal of misfortune, and black muthi ( umuthi omnyama ), which can bring illness or death to others, or ill-gotten wealth to the user. Users of black muthi are considered witches, and shunned by society. Christianity had difficulty gaining
2480-429: The distributed meat, they rose and exclaimed with raised hands: "Thou that art greater than the heavens." The habit of Dingane's ministers, concubines and servants was not to think, act or speak, except at Dingane's suggestion or command. Owen observed that even Dingane's prime minister, Ndlela kaSompisi , refused to pay him a visit, when such a visit was not expressly ordered by the king. Nor would anyone grind Owen even
2542-501: The floor of this large hut was approximately 10 metres in diameter. Archaeologists found evidence inside the hut of 22 large supporting posts completely covered in glass beads. These had been noted in historical accounts by Piet Retief , leader of the Voortrekkers , and the British missionaries George Champion and Francis Owen. On the south side, just behind the main complex, were three separate enclosed groups of huts. The centre group
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2604-581: The hill kwaMatiwane, named after a chief who had been killed there. Retief and his men were killed . It is alleged by some that they were killed because they withheld some of the cattle recovered from Chief Sekonyela. The general opinion is that Dingane did not wish to yield the land ceded to them in the treaty and mistrusted the presence of the Voortrekkers. At the same time, Dingane's forces killed Retief's undefended trek party, about 500 Boers and native servants, including women and children. The Boers called it
2666-512: The ilobolo payment to 10 cattle for commoners (plus the ingquthu cow for the mother), 15 for hereditary chief siblings and 20-plus for the daughters of a chief. They found it too lenient to let the groom give whatever amount he wanted, so they decided to establish a specific number of cattle that would be needed before or at the start of the marriage. This has been accepted by Zulu men who were educated in mission schools, but according to more ritual people this became “untraditional”. Additionally, with
2728-549: The instauration of the Natal Code, some Zulu men decided to settle another way in which they could decrease the ilobo: offer a token payment or bring a present for the father of the prospective bride to decrease the ilobolo amount to be paid. The payment of ilobolo can be difficult for some families, but as it is often considered a symbol of pride and respect, many are willing to maintain this tradition as long as possible. First fruit ceremony The First Fruits festivals of
2790-425: The king as his mistresses. A small settlement was built for them behind the main complex, where they could enjoy some privacy. The remainder of the king's women were the white isigodlo . They were mainly girls presented to the king by his important subjects. He also selected other girls at the annual first fruit ceremony ( umkhosi wokweshwama ). A huge half-moon shaped area was included in the black isigodlo ; here
2852-401: The message correctly. Depending on the area in which the beadwork was made, some designs can depict different messages compared to other areas. A message could be embedded into the colours and structure of the beads or could be strictly for decorative purposes. Beadwork can be worn in everyday use but is often worn during important occasions such as weddings, or ceremonies. For example, beadwork
2914-544: The modern Zulu population. Traditionally, the Zulu recognize several elements to be present in a human being: the physical body ( inyama yomzimba or umzimba ); the breath or life force ( umoya womphefumulo or umoya ); and the "shadow" prestige or personality ( isithunzi ). Once the umoya leaves the body, the isithunzi may live on as an ancestral spirit ( idlozi ) only if certain conditions were met in life. Behaving with ubuntu , or showing respect and generosity towards others, enhances one's moral standing or prestige in
2976-414: The most part. Each age set, or group of young men of the same age, was assigned to the same regiment ( ibutho , singular; amabutho , plural), according to the system. Girls were also subject to ukubuthwa , but they were usually assigned to an age group rather than to a regiment. The amabutho were housed in military barracks (singular, ikhanda ; plural, amakhanda ) located throughout the kingdom and under
3038-472: The nation together, unifying it at a time of merrymaking and quashing fears of famine. The tradition is still practiced mainly in the kingdoms of KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland . The ceremonies are headed by the kings of the tribes: Mswati III in Swaziland, celebrated as Incwala , and King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu nation, celebrated as Umkhosi Wokweshwama . This article about African studies
3100-503: The opportunity availed, only to be apprehended and executed. Though Dingane allowed Owen to reside just outside his capital, he considered the Christian faith a fiction of the English, which was of no use to him or his subjects. On a particular Sunday, he did allow Owen to expound the main precepts of Christianity before an assembly of almost 1,000 Zulu men. These were assembled at the center of
3162-529: The rest of South Africa. The Chief Minister of KwaZulu, from its creation in 1970 (as Zululand) was Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi . In 1994, KwaZulu was joined with the province of Natal, to form the modern KwaZulu-Natal. Inkatha YeSizwe means "the crown of the nation". In 1975, Buthelezi revived the Inkatha YaKwaZulu, the predecessor of the Inkatha Freedom Party . This organisation was nominally
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#17328518521843224-496: The slope of Lion Hill ( Singonyama ). Dingane came to power in 1828 after assassinating his half-brother Shaka with the help of another brother, Umhlangana , as well as Mbopa, Shaka's bodyguard. They were traditionally said to have killed Shaka because of his increasingly brutal behaviour after the death of his mother, Nandi . The assassination took place at present-day KwaDukuza . Captain Allen Gardiner related that Dingane
3286-554: The sole income earners of the household. A woman's stages of life lead up to the goal of marriage. As a woman approaches puberty, she is known as a tshitshi . A tshitshi reveals her singleness by wearing less clothing. Single women typically do not wear clothing to cover their head, breasts, legs and shoulders. Engaged women wear hairnets to show their marital status to society and married women cover themselves in clothing and headdresses. Also, women are taught to defer to men and treat them with great respect. The women are always bound by
3348-498: The women and the king sang and danced. The huts in the black isigodlo were divided into compartments of about three huts each, enclosed by a two-metre-high hedge of intertwined withes , which created a network of passages. The king's private hut ( ilawu ) was located in one such triangular compartment and had three or four entrances. His hut was very large and was kept very neat by attendants; it could easily accommodate 50 people. Modern archaeological excavations have revealed that
3410-399: Was built according to the characteristic layout of a Zulu military settlement (singular: ikhanda , plural: amakhanda ). The ikhanda consisted of a large, central circular parade ground ( isibaya esikhulu ), surrounded by warriors' barracks ( uhlangoti ) and storage huts for their shields. The isibaya was entered from the north. The royal enclosure ( isigodlo ) was on the southern side of
3472-586: Was during this period when Shaka deployed an army regiment for raiding nations in the North. The regiment which was under Mzilikazi disobeyed Shaka and crafted a plan to continue raiding up-North forming another dialect of Zulu language referred to as Northern Ndebele (now in Zimbabwe). Another group under Zwangendaba who was Shakas relative from the Gumbi Clan from Pongola and military commander trekked northwards crossing
3534-400: Was established in 1984 called the Umhlanga or Reed Dance. This event takes place at the royal capital near Nongoma . This traditional ceremony is performed by young women from all parts of the kingdom to perform in front of the monarch and his guests. The purpose of this event is to promote pride in virginity and to restrain sexual relationships. Beadwork is a prominent attire that is worn at
3596-462: Was exacerbated by armed conflict with the newly arrived Voortrekkers . In November 1837 Dingane met with Piet Retief , leader of the Voortrekkers. In return for their recovering some stolen cattle, Dingane signed a deed of cession of lands (written in English) to the Voortrekkers. It is generally believed that Dingane knew what he was signing although he could not have had any formal education, have read
3658-439: Was inextricably linked to the ownership of cattle. During that time, there was not a fixed number of cattle required for the wedding to happen; it could be paid before the marriage or during the marriage. The groom takes the cattle from his father's herd to perpetuate the family heritage. Nonetheless, this ritual changed during colonisation because in 1869, Theophilus Shepstone , then Natal Secretary for Native Affairs , formalized
3720-465: Was reinstated as king over Zululand . This still did not stop the fighting and the Zulu monarch was forced to flee his realm by Zibhebhu , one of the 13 kinglets, supported by Boer mercenaries. Cetshwayo died of a heart attack in February 1884, leaving his son, the 15-year-old Dinuzulu , to inherit the throne. In-fighting between the Zulu continued for years until in 1897 Zululand was absorbed fully into
3782-568: Was revered as the "great idol" of the Zulu nation, while a missionary, Rev. Francis Owen , who observed his rule at close quarters while stationed at Umgungundlovu , highlighted several aspects of his despotic governance. Dingane's subjects applied god-like attributes to him, not admitting for instance that his reign might have had a beginning. He was deemed immortal, one who was neither born, nor would ever die. When asked when his reign started, his subjects replied "hundreds and hundreds of years ago." At their morning and evening meals, after receiving
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#17328518521843844-437: Was used by the uBheje women of the black isigodlo . In this area, they initiated chosen young girls into the service of the king. Dingane lacked Shaka's military and leadership skills; rebel chiefs broke away from his rule. Chiefs who fell out of favour with Dingane, fled the country, including Signabani. The subjects of Signabani who were unable to flee with him were rounded up in their refuges and massacred. The dissension
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