The Zulus are considered to be the most fearsome warriors Africa has ever produced and they can thank Shaka Zulu for that reputation. Shaka was the ruler of the Zulus from 1816 until his assassination in 1828. During this time, Shaka revolutionised the Zulu military. He replaced the traditional long throwing spear (Assegai) with a short stabbing spear (Iklwa) with a broader blade. The Zulu pronunciation of i-klwa is said to be the noise the spear made as it was thrust into and then withdrawn from an enemies body.
Shaka Zulu likewise organised logistical assistance for his substantial armies and placed them into levels of regiment, each using their individual exclusive titles and designs on their shields. Shaka Zulu was furthermore in charge of creating the widely known Zulu combat strategies called the "Buffalo Horns" (impondo zenkomo). This specific strategy had initially been employed by the Zulus for hunting but King Shaka modified it for combat to devastating effect.
The Buffalo Horns would see the Zulus separate their forces into four distinctive elements. Each represented part of the Buffalo; the chest (isifuba), left & right horns (izimpondo) as well as the loins (umuva).
The Chest of the Buffalo would take on the enemy head on. This component of the Zulu impi would typically be made up of the greatest warriors, tested in battle.
While the Chest of the Buffalo was holding down the enemy, the Horns would encircle them to the left and right, surrounding the opposition. Any survivors were given an opportunity to join the Zulus, the alternative was death. Those that joined the Zulu army became Zulus. They renounced their past tribal loyalties and received complete Zulu instruction. The warriors making up the Left & Right Horns would commonly be made up of younger, quicker warriors who could proceed rapidly to get behind the enemy.
The remaining Zulus, the Loins, were typically the older, more experienced warriors who were held in reserve to be used as and when necessary. They would also be kept out of sight of the battle or even facing away from the action so they did not become over excited and join the fighting too soon. Shaka or his commanders would observe and control their armies from high ground overlooking the battlefield and relay their instructions with a series of runners.
The "Buffalo Horns" tactics were used by the Zulus in tribal battles and continued to be used several years after Shaka's death. On 22nd January 1879 when the Zulus attacked the British camp at Isandlwana, it was viewed by many as a terrible British defeat but maybe it should be considered a great Zulu victory. Although the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 ultimately saw the defeat of the Zulu nation, the reputation they earned lives on. All over the world, the Zulu is appreciated as a brave and formidable warrior. In the phonetic alphabet, the letter 'Z' is identified by the word 'Zulu'.
Their heritage also brings visitors to this part of South Africa with folks going to look at the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
Shaka Zulu likewise organised logistical assistance for his substantial armies and placed them into levels of regiment, each using their individual exclusive titles and designs on their shields. Shaka Zulu was furthermore in charge of creating the widely known Zulu combat strategies called the "Buffalo Horns" (impondo zenkomo). This specific strategy had initially been employed by the Zulus for hunting but King Shaka modified it for combat to devastating effect.
The Buffalo Horns would see the Zulus separate their forces into four distinctive elements. Each represented part of the Buffalo; the chest (isifuba), left & right horns (izimpondo) as well as the loins (umuva).
The Chest of the Buffalo would take on the enemy head on. This component of the Zulu impi would typically be made up of the greatest warriors, tested in battle.
While the Chest of the Buffalo was holding down the enemy, the Horns would encircle them to the left and right, surrounding the opposition. Any survivors were given an opportunity to join the Zulus, the alternative was death. Those that joined the Zulu army became Zulus. They renounced their past tribal loyalties and received complete Zulu instruction. The warriors making up the Left & Right Horns would commonly be made up of younger, quicker warriors who could proceed rapidly to get behind the enemy.
The remaining Zulus, the Loins, were typically the older, more experienced warriors who were held in reserve to be used as and when necessary. They would also be kept out of sight of the battle or even facing away from the action so they did not become over excited and join the fighting too soon. Shaka or his commanders would observe and control their armies from high ground overlooking the battlefield and relay their instructions with a series of runners.
The "Buffalo Horns" tactics were used by the Zulus in tribal battles and continued to be used several years after Shaka's death. On 22nd January 1879 when the Zulus attacked the British camp at Isandlwana, it was viewed by many as a terrible British defeat but maybe it should be considered a great Zulu victory. Although the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 ultimately saw the defeat of the Zulu nation, the reputation they earned lives on. All over the world, the Zulu is appreciated as a brave and formidable warrior. In the phonetic alphabet, the letter 'Z' is identified by the word 'Zulu'.
Their heritage also brings visitors to this part of South Africa with folks going to look at the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
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Shaka Zulu is the most well known of all the Zulu leaders. He help defined their legacy and fought so bravely in the Anglo Zulu war of 1879.. This article, The Zulu Battlefield Tactics has free reprint rights.
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