UTIMUNI, NEPHEW OF CHAKA, THE LATE ZULU KING.
THE present portrait is one of considerable interest, not only from its representing a man of splendid appcarance,
but also from its subject being one of the royal blood of the Zulus. Utimnni U a nephew to the present king
Umpanda, as well as he was to Chaka, the two kings being brothei-s, but it was under Chaka he was most distinguished
in the army. Perhaps few of the African races can boast a more wildly picturesque or striking costume than that
of a Zulu in full dress. The rich colom-s of the beads, skins, and feathere, contrasting with the dark hue of their own
Umbs, and the dcgi'ee of taste and saTage carelessness with which they display their ornaments, combined with their
noble and um-estrained deportment, render them extremely picturesque. The individual before us is a good specimen
of the Zulu in his most imposing decorations. AU eagerness to exhibit liis own prowess, he is running and pointing
out some soldier who distinguishes himself in athletic exercises. His dress is peculiarly rich; his kilts are of the
finest skins ; on his head are two globular tufts of the brilliant feathers of the blue and green roller, from the far
interior; behind them is another, of eagles' plumes, with a snuff-spoon stuck into the ring that surmounts his hair.
Then comes a broad necklace, with bandages of red and white beads over the shoulders; round his waist is a fillet
of glossy black hair, and from the anns and knees depend long sti-eamers of the hair of the Angora goat, that float in
the wind when the wearer is in motion, as do the streamers of human hair worn by some tribes of North America.
Beyond are several soldiers standing behind their shields, one of whom is in the act of leaping to shew his skill and
dexterity. In the distance is seen a portion of the hilly mimosa country, which is characteristic of the Zulu territory.
At the present time Utimuni is residing on the banks of the Umvoti River, a few miles within the British colony
of Natal, having fled from the anger of his uncle the king, whom he had offended by expostulating against the murder
of !iis brother.