9781422275344

The South African Zulu Tribe: A War Dance Now Used for Celebration The Zulu tribe of South Africa may be the most well known of all African tribes, due to their fierce resistance against white imperialism during the 1800s. They are also among the most populous, at some 12 million strong. The word Zulu means “people of Heaven,” and today about half the population of South Africa can speak or understand their language. The indlamu Zulu dance has been an integral part of their culture’s history. It reflects an evolution from historical war dances that are no longer performed, given that the Zulu no longer have a martial society. Today, weddings and major occasions account for contemporary indlamu dance, having been transformed from a war dance into a dance of celebration.

A group of men from the Zulu tribe perform the indlamu dance at a wedding.

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DANCE