Frenzy

COMMONWEALTH (British Commonwealth of Nations')

At Eshowe, Zululand, an indaba (conference) and war dance were held for the especial benefit of the Prince of Wales, whom the Zulus call "Lord of the Great Ones."

On the outskirts of a parade ground were thousands of Zulu tribesmen. In the centre were 5,000 warriors, naked except for loincloths of leopard skin. On their left arms they carried shields, in their right hands their famous assagais (spears). On their heads were enormous spreading headdresses of black feathers. They began a kind of dance, worked themselves up through weird contortions to a "terrific frenzy" that was accompanied by blood-curdling yells and "dirgelike singing of the women." The visit of the Prince had the effect of healing a long-standing breach between the Usutu (Royalists) and the Mandhlakazi (the ones of great strength), and together they came to offer tribute to the Great King's son.

The Prince, in his address to them, referred to their great industry and warlike prowess, urged them to use their great attainments in work for peace and so win a right to responsible government.