| Africa has long held a fascination for the rest of the | | | | but the Zulu women began weaving beads onto the |
| world. It's a continent of great contrasts and has | | | | shaft in the colours and patterns of the Zulu tribe. |
| managed to resist all attempts to tame it. The climate | | | | There is also a swathe of fur beneath the head of the |
| is largely hot and dry. The landscape is burnt and arid. | | | | Knob-Kerrie and at the bottom of the handle. |
| Except where rainforests cover the land. Due to the | | | | Nubian Arm Dagger |
| climate conditions the people of Africa tend to be | | | | Many tribes in Eastern and Northern Africa use arm |
| nomadic and tribal with very strong ties to their | | | | daggers, which are worn under the sleeves, blade up |
| ethnicity. Even the most ardent colonists, with the | | | | and grip down for easy access. The size of the |
| severest methods of conversion failed to make any | | | | daggers varies, but each blade is dual edged. The |
| African country completely abandon its culture and | | | | Nubian arm dagger is usually six inches long and is |
| traditions in favour of western life. The people of | | | | sometimes engraved along the centre line. The grip is |
| Africa are unique and distinct. The way of life in Africa | | | | made of wood and leather while the scabbard is |
| is unlike life anywhere else in the world, and the art and | | | | made of painted leather. A leather loop attaches the |
| artefacts of the many tribes in Africa are given pride | | | | grip to the scabbard. |
| of place in homes all around the world. | | | | A Traditional beaded Zulu Axe |
| Many different traditional African artefacts are sought | | | | The axe is made out of a dark and heavy wood with |
| after by serious collectors as well as tourists and | | | | a metal blade placed in the ball head. Traditional |
| history buffs. Among these pieces are masks, drums, | | | | tribesmen and women used it. The women wove |
| ceremonial bead work and weapons. Many weapons | | | | traditional Zulu patterns into the shaft. As with the |
| began as tools of war and later assumed a | | | | Knob-Kerrie, there is a strip of fur under the head and |
| ceremonial role as brave warriors or kings, through | | | | at the bottom of the handle. |
| their use, won distinction. Some of the more prized | | | | Mangbetu Knife |
| weapons include: | | | | This is an example of a traditional weapon of war that |
| A hand carved wooden Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie | | | | achieved ceremonial status. In a far less glamorous |
| The Knob-Kerrie was used as a weapon of attack in | | | | role, it could be used as an agricultural tool. It eventually |
| combination with a shield and spear. It's about 90cm tall | | | | became a status symbol and sign of wealth. The king |
| and was used to hit enemies on the head during battle | | | | of the time, Munza, was often depicted in drawings |
| while the shield protected the warrior as he pressed | | | | and statues holding the knife, demonstrating his power |
| forward. The spear was thrown as a prelude to the | | | | and authority. |
| charge. In its original form it was plain and unadorned, | | | | |