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ZULU BLACKSMITHS AT WORK, 
The Zulus shew their superiority over many savage races by their knowledge of the art of smelting and working 
metals. The blacksmiths amongst them are usually men of some importance, and their work is not carried on within 
the kraal, in the sight of the inhabitants, but in some retired or secret place in the vicinity, where they may pursue 
their employment unobserved. 1 was fortunate enough, whilst remaining for a day or two at the large kraal of Umbeza, 
not far from the White Umvelozi river, in the Zulu country, to obtain a sight of these primitive blacksmiths at their work. 
In 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 horns, which com¬ 
municated with a clay tube that Avas thrust into a charcoal fire, where a white heat A\ r as kept up, whilst the iron Avas 
being softened. A charcoal basket Avith a crucible lay near him, from Avhenee he replenished the fire; and his assistant 
removed the heated lumps of iron, by means of a pair of native forceps, to a flat stone close by, where it was beaten 
into shape by another man, before undergoing a second process of heating in the fire. 
Their hoes, assagais, and knives for carving spoons and bowls, are all made by these native artisans, Avho derive 
considerable profits from their labours in the shape of cattle and Avives. Brass is also made by them, and wrought into 
belt-beads, and rings for the arms, neck, and ankles. 
In the middle distance is a young man engaged in carving a spoon; near him are some corn jars, plastered up with 
clay and manure, to render them impervious to the Aveathcr. Beyond is a group of “ izzelulus,” or reed-stores; and in the 
distance is shewn the mountainous and Avild country toAvards the north, where the white rhinoceros, the koodoo, and the 
eland, are still to be met Avith in considerable abundance. The trees near the screen are the euphorbium and a species 
of palm, someAvhat resembling a dAvarf talipot. 
On the head of the principal blacksmith may be observed a ring called “ issikoko.” This singular embellishment of 
the head is only used by the Amazulu and Amaponda tribes; in the latter, however, the hair is allowed to groAV under 
the ring, so that it forms a hollow crown, like a nest, several inches high, on the top of the head. The “ issikoko ” 
is formed.by a piece of rush cut the proper length, bound Avith sineAv, and formed into a circle; this is Avell seAvn with 
sinew to the roots of the hair, and fitted closely, being covered Avith a black Avaxy substance, not unlike caoutchouc: 
this is dressed every few days with the utmost care, by means of various little instruments for the purpose. Only the 
married men and soldiers of the white shields are permitted to wear the “ issikoko.” 
