Zulu Dances: A reflection of Societal Beliefs and Warrior Traditions

Agencies – Sudan Events

Drums are an essential part of Zulu celebrations, usually accompanied by dancing and chanting. The ingungu drum finds use in every traditional ritual and celebration, be it the onset of womanhood or a marriage ceremony.
The dances in Zulu culture are thus found to celebrate significant moments of life. Every special occasion has a dance dedicated to mark the moment. The hunting dance using the spear aims at providing warriors courage before they venture out to hunt.
Another dance uses a small shield to mark military unity amongst the men and is performed only on royal occasions. The Indlamu is another traditional war dance featuring two dancers stomping hard to the beats of drums, carried out at weddings.
The Reed dance is a unique annual event where only unmarried girls dance holding a long reed above their heads.
As in any ancient culture, the Zulu culture is also based on spirituality and the power of ancestors.
They are remembered throughout the passage of life – at birth, puberty, marriage and death. The Zulus have several rituals that pay homage to the soul of the departed and invoke their blessings. Herbs and animal sacrifice are commonly used to appease ancestral spirits.
Social disputes take on a warrior mode within the Zulu community. Duels are fought until the flow of blood decides the winner.
This is yet another way that the Zulu people keep their warrior legacy.