Authentic Nguni Cattle Hide Rug. New!

It is essential to protect the Nguni breed as it plays an incredibly significant role in the social, economic, cultural as well as spiritual lives of the Zulu societies, and therefore South Africa’s cultural heritage. Cows are essentially the element that cements the kinship that is so particularly important in Zulu life, as is seen in the tradition of ‘lobola’. Lobola is a traditional Zulu ‘transaction’ between a groom and his bride’s family. Cows naturally form part of the gift a groom’s family present to the family of his bride to be.

During the 19th century Zulu warriors used Nguni hides to make the shields they used in battle. The different regiments each had their own skin pattern to identify the members of the regiment. Even the colours in a warrior’s shield had significant meaning – black shields signified youth while white signified age and experience and red were only used for mixed or married regiments. The Zulu people classified their cattle according to specific hide colours and patterns. With these specifications in mind the cattle were given unique, poetic names often linked to images in nature.

Nguni cattle are characterised by their beautiful colours and many patterns. King Shaka Zulu, who reigned from 1816 to 1828, bred specific colour patterns in his herds. The hides were worn by the many different regiments of his army. The pure white hides (from the royal her “Inyonikayiphumuli”) were only worn by his elite personal guard and the black and white hides were worn by the lesser Zulu warriors. Amid a battle the different hides and colours helped warriors to distinguish who was in command. This formidable King fully understood the cultural and economic importance of the Nguni cattle and bred specific hide markings for the shields that were vital in any battle.

Each Nguni cattle is as unique as a human fingerprint – no two are similar. In modern times these hides are also used for decorating houses and offices, and they are often used to substitute regular fabric when old furniture needs new upholstery. Nguni cattle are undeniably the most beautiful cattle in the world producing luxurious, beautifully patterned, multicoloured hides that will transform any house into a home!