- Colonial Wars 1878-1902: The Zulu Army Collection
- Approximately 2.25” tall (54 mm)
- 9x highly detailed historically accurate unpainted plastic figures
- Unpainted in various poses molded in dark brown. Figures packaged in sealed plastic bags.
- Packaged in a box. Box dimensions: 8.2” L x 5.9” W x 1.7” H
- Recommend for hobbyists and miniature gamers 14 years and above.
Shaka kaSenzangakhona (c. 1787 – 22 September 1828), second name Shaka Zulu, was the king of the Zulu Kingdom from 1816 to 1828. One of the most influential monarchs of the Zulus, he ordered wide-reaching reforms that re-organized the military into a formidable force.
Age-grade groupings of various sorts were common in the Bantu culture of the day, and indeed are still important in much of Africa. Age grades were responsible for a variety of activities, from guarding the camp, to cattle herding, to certain rituals and ceremonies. Shaka organised various grades into regiments, and quartered them in special military kraals, with regiments having their own distinctive names and insignia. The regimental system clearly built on existing tribal cultural elements that could be adapted and shaped to fit an expansionist agenda.
"Bull horn" formation
Most historians credit Shaka with initial development of the famous "bull horn" formation. It was composed of three elements:
The main force, the "chest," closed with the enemy impi and pinned it in position, engaging in melee combat. The warriors who comprised the "chest" were senior veterans.
While the enemy impi was pinned by the "chest," the "horns" would flank the Impi from both sides and encircle it; in conjunction with the "chest" they would then destroy the trapped force. The warriors who comprised the "horns" were young and fast juniors.
The "loins," a large reserve, was hidden, seated, behind the "chest" with their backs to the battle, for the sake of them not losing any confidence. The "loins" would be committed wherever the enemy impi threatened to break out of the encirclement.
This Expeditionary Force boxed set contains 9x unpainted 54mm plastic model Zulu warriors from one of Shaka’s original regiments, uGibanye “The Expellers”. The regiment was raised in 1820-1825 and was made up of warriors born between 1800-1805..
Note: The models are made from non-phthalate plastics and tested for compliance with toy safety regulations. Please note the actual content of the box-set may contain minor variations from the photographs.
