ZULU BLACKSMITHy AT WORK,
THE Zulus shew their superiority over many savage races by their knowledge of the art of smelting and working
metals. Tlie blaeksmiths amongst them are usually men of some importance, and theii- work is not carried ou within
the kraal, in the sight of the inhabitants, but in some retired or secret place ia the vicinity, where they may pursue
theii- employment unobserved. I was fortunate enough, whilst remaining for a day or two at the large kraal of Uniheza,
not far from the "White Umvelozi river, in the Zulu country, to obtain a sight of these primitive blacksmiths at their work.
I n a grove of euphorbium trees, about a quarter of a mile from the kraal, and sheltered from the wind by a screen
of reeds, sat the principal blacksmith, blowing a pair of double leathern bellows, which were worked by the hand, as
shewn in the Plate. The wind was conducted from the bellows by means of a couple of eland's honis, which communicated
witli a clay tube that was thrust into a charcoal fire, where a white heat was kept u]), whil.st the iron was
being softened. A charcoal basket with a crucible lay near him, fi-om whence he replenished the fire; and his assistant
removed the lieated lumps of iron, by means of a pair of native forceps, to a flat stone close by, where it was beaten
into shape by anothei- man, before undergoing a second process of heating in the fire.
Their hoes, assagais, and knives for earring spoons and bowls, are all made by these native artisans, wlio derive
considerable profits fi-om theii- labours in the shape of cattle and wives. Brass is also made by them, and wrought into
hell-beads, and rings for the anns, neck, and ankles.
In the middle distance is a young man engaged in carving a spoon: near him are some coi-n jars, plasteix-d up with
clay and manure, to render them impervious to the weather. Beyond is a group of izzelulus," or reed-stores; and in the
distance Ls shewn the mountainous and wild country towards the nortli, where the white rhinoceros, the koodoo, and the
eland, are sdll to be met with in considerable abundance. The trees near the screen are the euphorbium and a species
of palm, somewhat resembling a divarf talipot.
On the head of the principal blacksmith may be obsen'ed a ring called "issikoko." This singular embelUshment of
the head is only used by the Amazidu and Amaponda tribes; in the lattei-, howevei", the hair is allowed to grow under
the ring, so that it forms a hollow crown, like a nest, several inches high, ou the top of the head. The " issikoko"
is formed by a piece of rush cut the proper length, bound with sinew, and formed into a circle; this is well sewn with
sinew to the roots of the hair, and fitted closely, being covered with a black waxy substance, uot unlike caoutchouc;
tliis is dressed e\'ery few days with the utmost care, by means of various little instruments for the puqjose. Only the
married men and soldier.s of the white shields are permitted to wear the "issikoko."