This rare Zulu Isijula is likely to be a Zulu War bring back dating to the late 1870’s. 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 90mm barbed blade has a 280mm tang. The flattened, barbed head has a slight medial ridge. Zulu isijula with barbed heads are rare. The hand forged blade is in great condition.
The tang of the blade is secured firmly within the haft and woven ilala palm was added to strengthen the bond. The woven palm binding is in good condition.
The 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. Traditionally, Zulu warriors carried at least two isijula into battle along with their iklwa and an iwisa (knobkerrie/club). The warriors would use their isijula as they ran towards their enemy. 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 1,370mm (137cm).
This is an excellent example of a rare, barbed Zulu isijula and will make a great addition to any Anglo-Zulu War collection.
