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Zulu
Location
Zulu is located in the natal province of South Africa in southern Africa. They are surrounded by the people of Sotho, Tswana and san and their population is 3 million people. Their language is called Nguni. Look below to find other things about the Zulu people.
History- the Zulu people believe that they are the descendants of the patriarchal Zulu, who was born to an Nguni chief in the Congo basin area. In the 16th century the Zulu migrated southwards towards to their present location, incorporating many of the customs of San, including the well known linguistic clicking sounds the region. During the reign of king Shaka (1816-1828) Zulu became the mightiest military force in southern Africa, increasing their land holding from 100 sq. miles to 11,500.they had some trouble with the British whom tried to invade so much on them and in 1879 a war erupted. At beginning it seemed the Zulu was having success in the war but later the British army prevailed. Later Zulu was divided by the British into kingdoms. When chief Bombatha came to power a revolt was carried against the Europeans and Zulu finally became free and freedom got its reign in Zulu.
Economy-rural Zulu raise cattle and farm corn and vegetable for subsistence purposes. The men and boys are responsible for the cows and their welfare. They are also responsible for planting and harvesting of the crops. In Zulu there is a big competition for job for which they have not been trained and racism also in existence in the country. The women manage the house and do all the work that goes with it.
Political system-as an evident by the history of the Zulu, the leader, or chief is invested with power based on genealogy. He plays an important part in the internal governing in his home land and also acts as the voice of his people at the international level. Although they are ruled by South Africa they often act as a dissenting voice on the national scene.
Religion- their religion includes the belief in a creator god (Nkulunkulu), who is above interacting in day to day human affairs. Mostly the Zulu religion is based on the principle of divination and idol worship but recently Christianity started finding its way in Zulu.
Interaction- surrounding the Zulu people is the people of Sotho, Tswana and san. They interact by doing trade and cultural practices. Between the Zulu people and their surrounding a hierarchal diffusion exists. Cultures spread from regions of higher population to that of smaller one. The Zulu people do not have much effect on the environment but they are very unique and have an effect on the people surrounding them.
Art.
They arte best know for the art of headwork and basketry .they have a unique architecture that is found complex and their fashion is also unique.
ZULU CULTURE-Zulu people have a very distinct culture which is why they hold ceremonies every year to revive it. Some of the ceremonies are Heritage day in honor of Shaka Zulu [next page]