This Zulu Isijula was a Zulu War bring back and pre-dates the Anglo-Zulu War. 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 200mm hand forged blade (not including the tang) has a flattened diamond section with raised medial ridge. The blade is in good condition.
The tang of the blade is secured firmly within the haft and woven palm fibre was added to strengthen the bond. The haft of the spear is also decorated with bands of woven palm fibre. The woven binding is in excellent condition.
The haft has a wonderful patina and flares nicely at the end. A section of cow tail was added to the base of the haft.
While the Zulu King was responsible for providing his warriors (Impis) with shields, the individual Zulu warrior was responsible for his own weaponry. Traditionally, Zulu warriors carried at least two isijula into battle along with their iklwa and often an iwisa (knobkerrie/club). The first isijula would be thrown from several meters distance, the second as they closed with their enemy, distracting them for the deadly attack with their iklwa.
This Isijula has a total length of 1,092mm (109.2cm).
This is an excellent example of a high-status Zulu warrior’s throwing spear and will make a great addition to any Anglo-Zulu War collection.
