The David Smith Collection of Zulu and South African Weapons and Artefacts is to be sold through Wallis and Wallis in the UK on January 22.
 The Battle of Isandhlwana was a resounding victory for the Zulu |
The collection contains many pieces from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, which is famously depicted in the 1964 film Zulu, starring Michael Caine.
The weapons, valued at £100,000 ($165,500) in total, come to auction on the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Isandhlwana and the start of the attack on Rorke's Drift,
Among the most prized items is a Zulu regimental war shield, otherwise known as an isilangu, which is believed to have been used at the Battle of Isandhlwana. An exceptionally large two-tone hardwood knobkerrie, or iwisa, that is believed to be an executioner's weapon, will also star.
Also featuring is a large bladed Zulu stabbing spear, or iklawa, and a 19th century Zulu hardwood status staff with a small ball head and raised snake motif around the shaft, a design that was the preserve of high-ranking males.
The Zulu originated as a major clan in southern Africa, with the name meaning heaven, or sky, in the Nguni languages. The clan reached its zenith under the leader Shaka Zulu in 1818, who united a number of tribes under the Zulu name.
In 1878, the British demanded that 11 chiefs, under then-ruler Cetshwayo, disband their armies and accept British rule, which they subsequently refused, resulting in a war that started in early 1879. The conflict ended with British victory, and the Zulu Empire was divided into 13 sub-kingdoms.
2014 looks set to be an important year in militaria, with the 100th commemorations of the first world war beginning. Check out our selection of militaria for sale.
