This high-status Zulu Iklwa pre-dates the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and was probably still in use during the conflict. Many such trophies were collected by the British troops and brought back to the UK as souvenirs after the Anglo-Zulu War.
The 490mm blade has a raised medial ridge. The blade is 40mm at its widest and is in good condition with a dark patina that adds to its character. The blade is typical of early Zulu iklwa dating from the first quarter of the 19th Century. The iklwa is believed to have been invented by Shaka, the Zulu king who reigned from 1816 until his death in 1828.
While the Zulu King was responsible for providing his warriors with shields, the individual Zulu warrior was responsible for his own weaponry. As such, the size of a warrior’s Iklwa blade was very much a status symbol. The more steel a warrior could afford to purchase and have forged into a blade, the wealthier and more important he was. This high-status iklwa was probably the property of a senior, experienced warrior, one that would have fought as part of the centre (the boss of the horns) in the Zulu bulls head attack formation invented by Shaka.
The blade is secured firmly within the haft and woven ilala palm strengthens the bond. The woven binding is in good condition but is missing about 20mm from the top. The blade is firm in the haft and the woven palm binding is tight.
The 570mm haft has a wonderful patina and flares nicely at the end.
This fantastic Iklwa has a total length of 1,092mm and will make a superb addition to any Anglo-Zulu War collection.
