Zulu wire wrapped Knobkerrie

colin henshaw · 19th April 2012, 05:48 PM

Hi David

Nice piece. Knobkerries and wire plaiting were used by many different tribal groups throughout southern Africa. I have a feeling yours could in fact be Shona (Zimbabwe), who seemed particularly fond of a lot of brass wirework. They employed this technique on many types of objects - axes, spears, clubs, daggers, flywhisks etc even whistles...

I'm not sure if such wirework signified status particularly, maybe just wealth as brass wire was a luxury commodity. Copper and iron wire was also used.

However, I have read that in the 19th century Zulu kings would award brass necklaces and gauntlets to favoured individuals.

Two good reference books are - "The Traditional African Art of Zimbabwe" by H Ellert and "Zulu Treasures" by KwaZulu Cultural Museum.

Regards

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19th April 2012, 05:48 PM	#7
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Hi David Nice piece. Knobkerries and wire plaiting were used by many different tribal groups throughout southern Africa. I have a feeling yours could in fact be Shona (Zimbabwe), who seemed particularly fond of a lot of brass wirework. They employed this technique on many types of objects - axes, spears, clubs, daggers, flywhisks etc even whistles... I'm not sure if such wirework signified status particularly, maybe just wealth as brass wire was a luxury commodity. Copper and iron wire was also used. However, I have read that in the 19th century Zulu kings would award brass necklaces and gauntlets to favoured individuals. Two good reference books are - "The Traditional African Art of Zimbabwe" by H Ellert and "Zulu Treasures" by KwaZulu Cultural Museum. Regards