Zulu

Zulu refers to a Bantu ethnic group of Southern Africa and the language spoken by them. The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with an estimated 10–12 million people living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

History

The Zulu were originally a major clan in what is today Northern KwaZulu-Natal, founded ca. 1709 by Zulu kaMalandela. In the Nguni languages, iZulu means heaven, or weather. The Zulu Kingdom saw the rise of a powerful Zulu king, Shaka Zulu, who played a significant role in uniting disparate Zulu clans into a cohesive nation.

Culture

Zulu culture is rich in tradition and folklore. The Zulu people have a traditional dance called Indlamu, a form of dance known for its warriors' acts, and a vibrant musical tradition, which includes songs, drums, and the use of the Vuvuzela, a type of horn.

Language

The Zulu language, or isiZulu, is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa, with about 23% of South Africans (approximately 12 million people) able to speak it fluently. The language is characterized by a variety of click sounds, which are a prominent feature of the Southern African linguistic landscape.

Religion

The Zulu religion, Zulu mythology, includes belief in a creator god, Unkulunkulu, who is seen as being the source of all life, but is not worshipped directly. Ancestor spirits are important in Zulu religious life, and offerings and sacrifices are made to these spirits.

Social Structure

The Zulu social structure is based on clans, which are groups of families with the same ancestry. The head of the clan is the Inkosi, who makes important decisions and maintains law and order.

See Also

• Zulu Kingdom
• Zulu War
• Zulu language
• Zulu mythology