Zulu Communial Spoon

Anglo-Zulu Wars, 1885 period. Finely carved as is characteristic of Zulu woodwork, 143 1/2" long with cusped circular bowl and tapered grip with a pyramidal terminal. Lovely rich patina. Under Shaka's training and transformation, the fellowship was as important as discipline. Communal smoking, snuff sharing, and food sharing reinforced the bonds which, on the battlefield, allowed them to act in unison without personal regard. The best example is "the horns of the bull" formation which spread with the center dropped back to draw the enemy in while the flanks constricted to surround and dispatch them.