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The wearing of decorative beadwork can act as an attempt to grab the attention of someone of the opposite sex.
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Beadwork is dominantly worn when young Zulu people are courting or in search for love affairs. Depending on which stage of life an individual is in, the beadwork indicates different meanings. Apparel īeadwork is worn by all men, women, and children at any age. The beaded elements complement the costumes worn by the Zulu people to bring out a sense of finery or prestige. For example, beadwork is featured during the coming of age for a young girl or worn during dances. Beadwork can be worn in everyday use, but is often worn during important occasions such as weddings, or ceremonies. A message could be embedded into the colors and structure of the beads or could be strictly for decorative purposes. Depending on the area in which the beadwork was made, some designs can depict different messages compared to other areas. However, one must know the context of their use in order to read the message correctly. The design of the beads often conveys a particular message.
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The beads have the potential to convey information about a person's age, gender and marital status. The more beads one is wearing, the wealthier they are perceived. Typically when one is wearing multiple beads, it is a sign of wealth. Purpose īeadwork is a form of communication for the Zulu people. It was not until the arrival of Europeans that glass became a trade material with the Portuguese, which soon became abundantly available to the Zulu. Before the use of glass was apparent to the Zulu, beadwork derived from wood, seeds and berries. This assemblage of beads by the warriors represented a symbol of bravery. Often worn as a necklace, the beads were displayed in a criss-cross formation across the shoulders. This particular form of beadwork were known as iziqu, medallions of war. The creation of beadwork dates back to the times of war for the Zulu people. Married Zulu women wearing headdresses at annual Reed Dance ceremony. Aside from military duties, the izinsizwa 'young men' were also responsible for the repair and maintenance of their barracks. The barracks were designed and laid out similarly to an umuzi, but on a much larger scale. The amabutho were housed in military barracks - ikhanda singular, amakhanda plural - located throughout the kingdom and under the command of a close relative or someone appointed by the king. Girls were also subject to Ukubuthwa, but they were usually assigned to an age group rather than a regiment. Each age-set, or group of young men of the same age, was assigned to the same regiment - ibutho singular, amabutho plural - according to the system. The military was organized around the ukubuthwa ('to be enrolled') system, which did away with initiation ceremonies for the most part. The Zulu nation's growth and strength was based on its military organization and skills during Shaka's reign and that of his successors. Utimuni, nephew of King Shaka, strikes a warrior pose Today the Zulu people predominantly believe in Christianity, but have created a syncretic religion that is combined with the Zulu's prior belief systems. The men and women both serve different purposes in society in order to function as a whole. The art and skill of beadwork takes part in the identification of Zulu people and acts as a form of communication. Zulus take pride in their ceremonies such as the Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, and their various forms of beadwork. As the clans integrated together, the rulership of Shaka brought success to the Zulu nation due to his improved military tactics and organization.
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They originated from Nguni communities who took part in the Bantu migrations over millennia. 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. Zulu people ( / ˈ z uː l uː/ Zulu: amaZulu) are a Nguni ethnic group in Southern Africa. Xhosa, Swazi, Hlubi, Southern Ndebele, Northern Ndebele and Ngoni For other uses, see Amazulu (disambiguation).