Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais
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Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais
Photograph of members of the Natal Native Contingent (NCC) armed with assegais (short spears) and shields, 1879 (c). The NNC was formed in 1878 to bolster the defences of the British colony of Natal. Most recruits came from the Basuto and Mponso tribes. NNC troops wore their traditional tribal apparel with a red cloth bandanna around their foreheads, the only item to distinguish them from Zulu warriors who were traditional enemies of the Basuto and Mponso. Natal?s white population had long feared that arming the black population would constitute a security risk, and as a result only a small percentage of NNC soldiers were issued with guns. These were obsolete muzzle-loading muskets rather than modern rifles. Soldiers issued with firearms were only given four rounds of ammunition at any one time. Most NNC soldiers fought with traditional African weapons during the Anglo-Zulu War (1879). From album of 70 photographs, associated with Zulu War (1879). Associated with Col Hume, 94th Regiment of Foot. Date: 1879
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Media ID 14404062
© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library
1878 1879 Armed Basuto Bolster Colony Contingent Defences Formed Members Most Natal Photograph Recruits Shields Spears Tribes Wore Short
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures members of the Natal Native Contingent (NCC) prepared for battle, armed with traditional assegais (short spears) and shields, in the year 1879. The NCC was formed in response to the impending Anglo-Zulu War, with most recruits hailing from the Basuto and Mpondo tribes. In an effort to distinguish them from their traditional enemies, the Zulu warriors, NCC troops wore their tribal apparel, adorned with a red cloth bandanna around their foreheads. Despite the white population's concerns that arming the black population could pose a security risk, the NCC was formed to bolster the defenses of the British colony of Natal. However, only a small percentage of NCC soldiers were issued with firearms, which were outdated muzzle-loading muskets rather than modern rifles. Those who were armed with guns were only given a limited supply of ammunition, just four rounds at a time. The majority of NCC soldiers fought with their traditional African weapons during the Anglo-Zulu War. This photograph, taken from an album of 70 images associated with the Zulu War, provides a poignant reminder of the complexities of colonial power dynamics and the role of indigenous troops in imperial conflicts. The image is also connected to Col Hume of the 94th Regiment of Foot, adding to its historical significance.
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