As part of our African Collection, you can explore the art and history of Zulu stick-fighting and 'Izinduku'...

‘Induku/Izinduku’ means stick or sticks in the Zulu language. Izinduku are used in a fighting art that is practised by Zulu people and others from the Nguni tribes in South Africa.

These two pieces form part of the Standard Bank African Art Collection. One is surmounted by a male figure and the other by a baboon. They were accorded an illustrious history by their previous owner who claimed that they were trophies looted after the Battle of Ulundi during the Anglo-Zulu War. These objects may have been commissioned by chiefs or other dignitaries, but were more than likely to be carved for sale to European buyers passing through KwaZulu-Natal at the turn of the 20th Century.

Traditionally, at the age of 16, a boy’s father would take him into the forest to cut his own fighting sticks (izinduku). Decorations are put on for aesthetic purposes, as well as to identify different clan members. These sticks were usually stored on the roof of the house and were carried for self-defence. A man may own several pairs.

The two sticks (izinduku) are made without a knob and carved smooth. The circumference increases from top to bottom and they are generally about 88cm long (this sometimes varies and is adjusted to the individual’s strength and size). A strip of cowhide is often tied around one end to secure the fighter’s grip and a cow’s tail could be tied around the bottom to hide the sharp point.

The stick featuring the male figure was carved out of hard wood, evident in its dark patina while the baboon -headed staffs seems to be made out of blonde wood. Both have a smooth, polished appearance with simple planar detail. The form, although carved in the round, seems almost two-dimensional, a feature probably dictated by the natural form of the branch.

Similar sticks exist in art collections in South Africa and overseas and all are attributed to the `Baboon Master’ who apparently worked in the Pietermaritzburg and Durban area in the 1880s and 90s. This master carver always carved staffs incorporating the form of a baboon into the handle as well as staffs with single African male and female figures.

Inyanga or iSangoma would sprinkle charms (Intelezi) on the fighters and their weapons before the battle to help counter evil. These were cleansing rituals and were meant to strengthen the warriors. Some Intelezi is said to cause dizziness, strokes, or impair the vision of an opponent. Snake venom and menstrual blood were often used because they were deemed a suitably dangerous stratagem. Stick-fighting helped young boys learn about their roles in traditional society - older boys and young males would often spar at public ceremonies and festivals. It is still however seen as an undesirable activity for females to stick fight; if they do misfortune is said to fall upon them.

The izinduku contained in the Standard Bank Art Gallery collection are not traditional artifacts; they have lost their original function and instead were carved for aesthetic reasons and to satisfy the lucrative, emerging curio market at the turn of the previous century. These items do not present traditionalist art, but should rather be seen as representative of the dynamics present during the early history of African urbanisation.