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Walking stick of Cetshwayo, King of the Zulus, 1874 circa (wood)
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Walking stick of Cetshwayo, King of the Zulus, 1874 circa (wood)
5920636 Walking stick of Cetshwayo, King of the Zulus, 1874 circa (wood) by Zulu, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Walking stick owned by King Cetshwayo of Zululand, 1879 circa.
Cetshwayo was King of Zululand, a territory bordering Natal and the Transvaal. In 1878 he refused to disband his Zulu army or to cooperate with Sir Bartle FrereAs plan for imperial federation in South Africa. In January 1879 a force commanded by Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford invaded Zululand. CetshwayoAs army resisted bravely, but the king became a fugitive after the Battle of Ulundi (4 July 1879). He was taken prisoner in August. Deprived of his kingdom he was sent into exile at Cape Town. This stick was taken from the king after his defeat and brought back to Britain by a Colonel Bell.
The stick is carved with two snakes coiled around the shank. It is a typical example of the staffs carried by men of high status; the snake was a common symbol representing the protection of the ancestral spirits.); eNational Army Museum; South African, out of copyright
Media ID 22764638
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases the historical artifact known as the "Walking stick of Cetshwayo, King of the Zulus" dating back to 1874. Crafted from wood by a Zulu artist in the 19th century, this walking stick holds immense cultural significance. Once owned by King Cetshwayo of Zululand, this walking stick tells a tale of resistance and resilience. During an era when imperial powers sought control over South Africa, Cetshwayo defied Sir Bartle Frere's plans for imperial federation and refused to disband his Zulu army. In response, Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford led an invasion into Zululand in January 1879. Despite fierce opposition from Cetshwayo's army, he eventually became a fugitive after the Battle of Ulundi in July 1879. Captured shortly thereafter, he was exiled to Cape Town and stripped of his kingdom. This very walking stick was taken from him during his defeat and brought back to Britain by Colonel Bell. The intricate carvings on this staff depict two snakes coiled around its shank—a symbol representing protection from ancestral spirits. Such staffs were commonly carried by individuals of high status within Zulu culture. Preserved at the National Army Museum in London since then, this photograph allows us to appreciate not only its artistic beauty but also its historical significance as a tangible connection to one of Africa's most influential leaders—King Cetshwayo.
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