The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa with an estimated 10–12 million people living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

They originated from Nguni communities who took part in the Bantu migrations. As the clans integrated together, the rulership of ‘Shaka’ brought success to the Zulu nation due to his perfected military policies. The Zulu people take pride in their ceremonies such as the Umhlanga, or Reed Dance. The art and skill of beadwork takes part in the identification of Zulu people and acts as a form of communication. Their architecture is also quite complex.  The men and women both serve different purposes in society to function as a whole. Rural Zulu raise cattle and farm corn and vegetables for subsistence purposes.

Zulu religion includes belief in Nkulunkulu (a creator god), who is above interacting in day-to-day human affairs. It is possible to appeal to the spirit world only by invoking the Amadlozi (ancestors) through divination processes. As such, the diviner, who is almost always a woman, plays an important part in the daily lives of the Zulu. It is believed that all bad things, including death, are the result of evil sorcery or offended spirits. No misfortune is ever seen as the result of natural causes. Another important aspect of Zulu religion is cleanliness. Today the Zulu people predominantly believe in Christianity but have created a syncretic religion that is combined with the Zulu’s prior belief systems.

Source:   Zulu – Art & Life in Africa – The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art (uiowa.edu)