This fantastic Zulu Iklwa is a Zulu War bring back but probably dates to earlier in the 19th Century. After the punitive attack on the Zulu capitol of Ulundi in 1879, many such trophies were collected by the troops and brought back to the UK as souvenirs.
The incredibly long 588mm hand forged blade has a flattened diamond section with raised medial ridge. The blade is 35mm at its widest and is in great condition.
The blade is secured firmly within the haft and woven copper telegraph wire was added to strengthen the bond. The woven wire is in excellent condition.
The 565mm haft has a wonderful patina and flares nicely at the end.
While the Zulu King was responsible for providing his warriors (Impis) with shields, the individual Zulu warrior was responsible for his own weaponry. As such, the length 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 amazing iklwa was a very high status weapon.
This Iklwa has a total length of 1,153mm (115.3cm).
This was a very high status weapon for a senior warrior, almost certainly an Induna and will make a great addition to any Anglo-Zulu War collection.
