In South Africa, there are several different cultures that have different ways of life. Today, one of the largest tribes is called the Zulu tribe. The men and women of these tribes wear a wide variety of clothing, though the clothing that women wear differs to that of men. The majority of the Zulu people still wear their traditional clothing, and live a very traditional life full of rituals and dances. They have a very specific way of life and clothing has to do a lot with this.

Women’s Clothing

            Women have a very colorful variety of clothing, usually decorated with beads and other materials such as feathers. The women have different rules as to what they can wear depending on if they are married or not. Women who are not married wear very little amounts of clothing. They do not wear any form of a top, and a small form of a skirt usually made out of beads. Though they do not wear a lot of clothing, accessories is a big part of their outfit. They usually wear headbands, necklaces, bracelets, and rings made out of beads and feathers, as well as grass or wheat. Their form of clothing is very revealing and would seem uncomfortable to some, but to them it is completely normal.

The young women of the tribe.

            The married women of the tribe wear different clothes to those that are not married. They cover their bodies much more than the unmarried women, as well as covering their heads with a hat. These are signs to show that they are married and not available. Other things such as the colors and bead patterns that the women wear show a lot about herself. It can show if she is married, unmarried, engaged, pregnant, or grieving. As everyday things the women make clay pots, weave baskets, and bead clothing. During ceremonies the women dance and sing which is a major part of their life. They usually wear matching clothing, lots of colors and accessories. A main part of a women’s life in a tribe has to do with how she dresses and presents herself. Each article of clothing and every color that they wear distinguish their part in the tribe and can tell people a lot about them.

The women weaving baskets and beading clothes.

Men’s Clothing

            The men of the tribe also have very particular clothing to wear depending on things such as their ranking in the tribe. They usually wear a small piece of animal hide around their waist. The type of animal hide can tell a lot about their status in the tribe. Hides like leopard skin can only be worn by the higher class of the tribe, such as the king. To make the Zulu warriors look more intimidating they use the tufts of a cows tail to wear around the upper arm and knees. As an accessory, the warriors carry around a shield made out of animal skin. Depending on how much white is on the shield it tells how skillful of a warrior he is. Though it seems odd to many but a way to determine how much of a man they are has to do with the amount of children they have. One of the Zulu traditions is polygamy, which is having more than one wife. Therefore the more children they have, the more they are seen to be ‘more as a man’ in their tribe.

The men learn how to fight using their traditional shields.

            During ceremonies the men drum and dance in energetic rituals. During these ceremonies, the men wear rattles around their ankles made out of dried cocoons to make noise as they stomp their feet. The men of the Zulu tribe are very noble, and much of their life is competition. The Zulu tribes are highly traditional, and are very proud of their people.

The men of the tribe performing their rituals.