‘Zulu Tradition’ for Sue’s Word A Week Challenge.

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.