Zulu Shield

Zulu sheilds

Traditional Zulu shields date back to King Shaka Zulu and have been used by Zulu tribesman in battle for hundreds of years. The shields area traditionally handcrafted using cowhide.

There are five types of Zulu shield ranging from around 1.5 metres. Smaller shields were used in ceremonial dancing and others were made to be easily held in one hand in battle.

Larger white coloured shields were reserved for chiefs or high ranking warrior. More common colours such as black or brown would be given to a normal warrior.

A warrior would usually carry his shield with an Assegai spear and Knob-Kerrie club.