African Crafts Market

Beaded Zulu knob- kerrie - short

Size: 45cm

An African hand carved wooden Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie used by traditional Zulu tribesmen as an attacking tool. The Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie is usually found alongside a Zulu shield and accompanied by a spear and a center shaft. This is a shorter had held knob-kerries that was used with smaller shields to get closer to opponents during combat. This beautiful African Zulu Knob-Kerrie has beaded artwork along the shaft of the attacking tool and a fur base just under the head and at the bottom of the Knob-Kerrie.

This tool was used by Zulu tribesmen as an attacking tool to hit their enemy on the head while in battle,with a Zulu shield in one hand to protect themselves and the Knob-Kerrie in the other while charging forward. A spear was also used with this tool and would be thrown just before attack and then charge with the Knob-Kerrie. The Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie was originally handcrafted without the Zulu beads and set in the natural color and state of the wood used.

The bead work was an addition that the Zulu woman would weave onto the shaft and has become notorious with the Zulu. Along the shaft is hundreds of small colorful Zulu beaded that have been set in the traditional patterns and colors of the Zulu tribe. Zulu bead work has become world famous and we have a selection of some fine African Zulu beaded artwork in a gallery.

Learn more about Zulu customs and culture and theh history of the Zulu people.

All sizes listed are approximate. The Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie you purchase and receive may differ just slightly in size, look, and/or color from the Zulu beaded Knob-Kerrie shown in the picture because each Zulu Knob-Kerrie is handcrafted and hand beaded by individual artists.