Created by:
Brittany, Danielle
& Sarah
ZULU
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The Ancient One, known as Unkulunkulu, is the Zulu
creator. He came from the reeds and from them he
brought forth the people and the cattle. He created
everything that is: mountains, streams, snakes, etc. He
taught the Zulu how to hunt, how to make fire, and how to
grow food.
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He sent the languid chameleon out into the world with the
message that his people will never die. After several days
Unkulunkulu became impatient and sent a speedy lizard
out into the world with the message that death was on its
way. The sift lizard beat the chameleon to the village and
death shortly arrived and has never left mankind since.
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http://www.mythicjourneys.org/bigmyth/myths/english/2_z
ulu_full.htm
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Starting as a clan that belonged to a larger group of people called the Nguni. The
Nguni migrated south from central East Africa in the 16th century to the Natal region.
As they settled the Zulu built beehive shaped grass huts to live in.
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The Zulu people believe that they are the direct descendents of a chief called Zulu
(which means heaven in the Nguni language). After the death of Zulu, his
descendants called themselves abakwaZulu (people of Zulu). The Zulu people also
call themselves Abantsundu, which means "brown people".
By the early 19th century the Zulu had become the strongest military force in
southern Africa (under the leadership of the powerful but violent Shaka). They raided
and killed many neighbors and took their land, goods and women. Soon after this,
however (around 1830), they had to face the growing colonial presence of the
British, who wanted to control the entire southern part of Africa.
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Zulu people did not make art in the form of sculptures and paintings.
Rather, the art was seen in the embellishment of utensils used in the home
such as carved wooden meatplatters, milkpails, spoons, walking sticks and
headrests. They had strong sense of geometric design representing either
masculinity, femininity, fertility, or cattle.
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As with many African cultures, clothing is of paramount importance to the
collector as it embodies the essence of the culture. The Zulu people are
renowned for their beautiful beadwork which sometimes carries symbolic
messages of love, peace or fertility in the use of geometric patterns.
Traditionally, Venetian glass beads were used, but today the use of plastic
beads is more common. Anklets, bracelets, armbands, necklaces, crossbands, waistbands, beaded capes and head rings.
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Weapons were also known as important art pieces.
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For the Zulu people of South Africa, dance is a metaphor for
life. The Zulu have used traditional dance for centuries, not
only to commemorate pivotal life moments, or rites of
passage, but also to distinguish social status and roles within
the tribe. Through dance, the Zulu tell the genesis and journey
of their clan, bridging generational gaps in a unique form of
storytelling.
Movements and Attire
› A wide array of stomps and kicks categorize almost every traditional Zulu
dance. The Zulus use props such as ankle rattles, shields, headdresses and
belts to differentiate social class and societal roles. Both males and
females wear limited clothing, which consists predominately of cowhide
and bare chests adorned with garlands of beads. Bead color can signify
such things as geographical location, "rank, contentment, spiritual love,
and marriage" according to Stan Schoeman, author of "Eloquent beads,
the semantics of a Zulu art form.“
› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bboJsFVa58 Traditional dance
› http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVxk59F9LqM War dance
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http://www.crystalinks.com/zulucreation.html
http://www.mythicjourneys.org/bigmyth/myths/english/eng_z
ulu_culture.htm
http://www.africaart.co.za/artifacts.htm
http://www.ezakwantu.com/
http://www.ehow.com/about_6759352_traditional-zuludance.html