For Sue’s photo challenge, ‘Tradition’, here’s my sister’s portrait of a Zulu King in traditional dress. The shield which is made of Nguni cowhide, can be turned into an offensive weapon. Warriors were taught to catch their own shield behind that of their opponents in order to thrust it out of the way, exposing the warrior’s body to attack. Around his shoulders, he wears a cape, fashioned from cow tails. His amazing headdress has black feathers from the Sakabula (Long-tailed Widowbird), and white Ostrich plumes. In his right hand, he is holding the ‘Izinduku’, the traditional Zulu fighting stick.
To see more entries for Sue’s ‘Word a Week Photograph Challenge‘, just click on the link.
This is King Sobhuza II of the Royal Kingdom of eSwatini (aka Swaziland) in full Ncwala\Incwala dress. The Incwala ceremony is a ceremonial celebration of Kingship. The Incwala cannot be danced unless a King is on the throne. King Sobhuza, aka Ngwenyama wemaSwati is the world’s longest reigning monarch – 82 years 254 days. Today the Royal Kingdom is ruled by his son, Mswati III and the nation of Swaziland continues to enjoy peace and stability under a fusion of traditional and western government bodies. Should you wish to learn more about this fascinating individual – read the book titled Sobhuza II by Hilda Kuper (ISBN 0 7156 1185 2). Swaziland has always been independent of the Zulu natiom, although the 2 x nations have seen Royalarriages such as that of King Zweletini (Zululand) and Princess Mantfombi.
Thank you so much for your comment here, Duncan. Your information is very interesting. What do you think of the painting? My sister and her husband live in KZN South Africa, but have been to Swaziland on many occasions and even attended the King’s birthday party a few years ago.
I think the painting is fantastic – carefully capturing his warm smile set against the green hills of the fertile land. Hi 5 to your sister. How much is she expecting to receive from those who commissioned her? Is she now in a position to consider selling to someone else?
Thank you so much for the lovely comments. I think this painting was commissioned. You can see more of her paintings here http://sommeling.deviantart.com/gallery/?catpath=/
He doesn’t look at all scary, should he ?
I have no idea whether he should look scary or not.
wonderful work Sylvia, your sister is talented!
Thanks, Heather. Glad you liked this. 🙂
This is exactly what I love about your posts, AD. You research your subjects and pass on a lot of knowledge – so well done! 🙂
Thanks so much, adee. Glad you enjoyed this one. 🙂
Beautiful … and excellent choice! Of course it reminds me of this classic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V2lxFWBqfI
Please don’t remind me of that song, Frank. I had nightmares trying to make my piano rendition sound like the video, when we were practising for the concert which never happened in Florida earlier this year. It was such a relief when it was called off due to time constraints. 😀
I remember the concert that wasn’t!
Beautiful and fascinating.
Thanks so much, TBM.
Incredible 🙂
Thanks, Sherri. 🙂
Wow, what a portrait. Your sister must have put a lot of work into it, it looks so life-like. The crinkles on his face really stands out 😀 He looks like one wise man, as wise as Rafiki 😀
Thanks, Mabel. Your comment about Rafiki really made me LOL. 😆 It was a great movie.
It *IS* a great movie 😀
Wow! He looks regal. 🙂
Yes he does, Marsha. 🙂
Fascinating! Imagine seeing a group of warriors running into battle. What a sight that must have been!
Thanks, John. I think it must have been a really terrifying sight, especially if they had their spears, and were running straight at you. 😯
An Awesome work!
Yes, it is, YC. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Fantastic artwork and traditional dress. Brilliant for the challenge, Sylvia! 😀
Thanks, Dianne. It was very fortuitous that I took the photo when we were at her house two weeks ago. I didn’t know that this challenge was coming up. 🙂
Your sister’s work are exceptional! I bet she can paint anything! Truly gifted! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Lola. Yes, I think you’re right. She is a very versatile artist.
Oh my…I would hang that in a nanosecond.
Thanks, Jo. She’s still waiting for the money from the people who commissioned it. 😦
Impressive – both the costume and your sister’s art.
Thanks, Annette. 🙂
Your sister’s art never ceases to amaze me.
Me too, Gunta. I never know what she’s going to come up with next. 🙂
Sylvia may sound like a broken record but your sister’s work is remarkable!
I’m sure she won’t mind your repeating it, Sue. 🙂
Sehr Indersand schöne Malerei.Wünsche dir eine gute neue Woche liebe Grüße Gislinde
Thanks, Gislinde. He was actually an African Zulu king. 🙂
Your sister has mad talent!
Yes, it’s so amazing. She can paint anything. 🙂
Really interesting and a great painting was it of an actual person?
Thanks, Gilly. Yes it was painted from a photo of the king before the present one.
Wonderful!
Very cool
Thank you. 🙂
People like him carry a big stick iocally! 🙂
😀 They know how to use them, too.
Wonderful! A lovely reminder of Kwazulu-Natal!
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Sylvia, this is amazing work !
She did a great job. 🙂
I’m fan !
😀
It’s amazing the tactics and ways of tribes and how they defended themselves 🙂
Yes, very fascinating, Andy, and some still do. 🙂
Absolutely stunning
Thanks, Ruth. Yes, I also think he’s rather good. 🙂