An original and characteristic 1879 umbhumbhulozu pattern war-shield, 38 x 20 ins. This was the smaller of the two patterns of shield which belonged to the Zulu state, and were issued to the amabutho when they mustered for war. This one is in solid structural condition BUT is missing almost all the hair on the face. Small remaining patches of hair suggest it was originally white and brown, and many shields in this colour were looted by British troops from the royal homestead of oNdini after the battle of Ulundi (this can only be a tentative conclusion, however). On the back there are faint traces of writing which might repay investigation - they seem to include the words Mr...Castle...Scotland'. The stick is a modern replacement. A striking and atmospheric piece, despite the hair loss, and offered here much cheaper than a shield with hair would command.
