Umbumbuluzo (or war) Shield

Image credit: David Livingstone Birthplace Museum

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An example of an Umbumbuluzo war shield, a type of Nguni shield, made from ox or cowhide, which is thought to instil the shield’s owner with the strength of the animal. A shield like this would be carried in the left hand and was the only piece of defensive armour used by the Nguni people, to deflect spears, assegais or arrows. Also, shields such as this would be carried during lion or leopard hunts, as a form of protection and camouflage.

David Livingstone Birthplace Museum

Blantyre

Title

Umbumbuluzo (or war) Shield

Medium

animal hide

Accession number

BLTDL21506

Work type

Sculpture

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David Livingstone Birthplace Museum

165 Station Road, Blantyre, South Lanarkshire G72 9BY Scotland

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