Zulu Short Necklace
Dimensions: L:20.1in W:8.7in D:0.4in
Handcrafted by Zulu women in South Africa, this multi-strand traditional beaded necklace features traditional Zulu beads. Beadwork is used as a form of communication between the sexes in the Zulu community. They use beading to express their emotions, status in relationships, or to send a message. Color is the major means through which people express their feelings and symbols. Each Zulu beading product can have up to seven different colors, each with its unique meaning. When such colors are combined, they might send either a negative or good message. In their beading and jewelry designs, the Zulus solely only use one geometric shape: the triangle. Zulu women practice beadwork, which is passed down through generations by the family's older women. They form their own communities and are empowered by their abilities and contributions to them.
About the Tribe
The Zulu tribe is one of the most widely known tribes in Africa, mainly because of the very vital part that it played in the continent’s history. Zulu, a nation of Nguni-speaking people in KwaZulu-Natal province. The tribe represents the largest population of ethnic groups in South Africa. They are known for their strong fighting spirit which has fashioned renowned warriors in history including the likes of Shaka Zulu who played a prominent role in various Zulu wars. The Zulu people have always strongly believed in ancestral spirits referred to amadlozi or abaphansi. They are simply spirits of the dead. The tribe also believes in the existence of a higher being who they refer to as UMveliqangi meaning “one who came first”. This highest being is believed to be far removed from the people’s lives and that no one has ever set eyes on him. They believe that there is some mediation between the spirits of the dead and “the one who came first “for the people alive on earth. People from the Zulu tribe are known to be amicable and very warm. They are known for their practice and belief in Ubuntu which simply means “humanness” or “good disposition”. This humanness is a part of the daily life of the Zulu people. They believe human beings are the most superior of all species hence the strong belief in Ubuntu. They further cement this belief by having many proverbs relating to good and bad behavior towards fellow human beings. IsiZulu is South Africa's most widely spoken official language. The Zulu language, of which there are variations, is part of the Nguni language group. The word Zulu means "Sky" and according to oral history, Zulu was the name of the ancestor who founded the Zulu royal line in about 1670.
Shipping - Standard Delivery 2-7 days
Note - In the event where items are made to order, please allow up to 6 weeks.
The estimated delivery lead time quoted to you at the time of order is an at best estimate of the delivery period. Whilst every effort is made at all times to achieve this date, it does happen occasionally that delays are encountered that are often outside of our control.
These products themselves are all handmade, and while we maintain a high standard of production and quality control, we equally celebrate the individual and their craft, and trust our customers appreciate and value this too - This gives each item a unique character and charm! Colour is natural as represented by product image. Small variances may occur in size and shape due to the handmade nature of these items.
You can checkout with various payment methods. We accept all major credit cards, instant EFT's (through PayStack & Ozow) and offer installments through PayFlex. Learn more about PayFlex here.