Guest Author - Lisa Shea

The Zulu Culture has a long and interesting history. Shaka Zulu is perhaps the best known member of this tribe. Zulus are known for their elaborate beadwork.

As in much in the world, the Zulu who are rural have maintained their traditions far better than those who have moved to urban areas. On the other hand, rural Zulu families have a difficult life, often walking miles to fetch water, and living with no electricity, heat or cooling.

Traditionally, women did the cooking, gathering and childcare while men did the hunting. A man who did "women's work" was thought of as weak. Because South Africa is very temperate, cooking was often done outside with a pot over a fire. The family would sit on grass mats together, eating with their hands from a common bowl.

Family was extremely important to the Zulu. The bride was chosen mostly for her fertility, and also for her dowry and beauty. She would change clothes often on her wedding day, to show her beauty off in a variety of ways. When joining her husband, he would slaughter a cow for her and she would put her dowry money within it. She would also give blankets as gifts to his entire family. In return he pays the "bride price", traditionally 11 cows.

A wife who did not have children - or only bore daughters - would often be thought of as a 'lesser woman' and the husband would be encouraged to take another wife. Babies are constantly with their mothers, carried around on their backs.

A woman's main duty is to create children, care for them, and keep the house clean. However, women can also become Isangoma, or medicine women. This woman is both a healer and a spiritual guide. She talks with the spirits of the tribe's ancestors and looks for guidance.