Zulu Culture at Thanda Private Game Reserve

Umphafa / The Buffalo Thorn

Inspired by the hues of nature, Thanda embraces the charisma and power of Zulu culture, incorporating its elements throughout the lodge. An ancient culture of tradition and integrity, many Zulus living in rural Kwa Zulu-Natal have retained their traditional lifestyles despite Western intervention and the exacerbating pressures of globalisation. The lodge has been built to resemble a Zulu kraal which traditionally, is built in a circular structure. The circle is the most prominent shape in Zulu design and is indicative of the connections that all bodies have in life. The Zulus believed very strongly in the connection between themselves and the spiritual realm, and the physical state of a body was an indication of the favourable or disfavourable light the gods viewed that person in.

The Mirror has Many Faces

Very little has been written about the history of the traditional Zulu woman. The spirited triumphs of the impi, whilst admittedly spectacular within their own rights, tend to dominate the framework that the Zulu nation has been understood in. In the spirit of transformation, we are fully entitled to revise our archives and reconsider what has been said and redistribute some of the limelight. The woman who was living in the Zulu homestead was a beautiful yet resilient product of the earth who was environmentally attuned and living within the comfort of her spiritual niche. Her perception of aesthetic beauty was the successful integration of all aspects of her life: her health as a natural organism, her relationship with the spirits that guided her and the offerings made to her by the earth.

Beyond the Looking Glass

Central to the Zulu woman’s perception of beauty was the dual-concept of unity and balance. She had an exceptionally sensitive understanding of the delicate balance that had to be maintained and the necessity of all aspects of her self working in harmony. One ailment was thus not considered a problem on its own; it was a sign denoting a more deeply-rooted malady. Treatments were thus holistic in their therapeutic approaches and were the product of innovative use of the indigenous plants growing on the landscape of KwaZulu Natal. The soothing effects of Pelargonium sidoides were used for their twofold benefits- not only does the plant work miracles on respiratory disorders but the aroma of the scented geranium, as its name suggests also has a calming effect on the body as a whole. Later research on the plant has shown that it also eases the symptoms of premenstrual tension and invigorates one’s circulation. The Zulu woman’s celebration of beauty was somewhat different to the trends that evolved in the Western world for they sought products that went beyond cosmetic improvements. Their use of products for cosmetic benefit was minimal and their concern was rooted more in developing their health in order to enable themselves to be beautiful. The use of ummemezi (onion wood) was used to improve the texture and quality of their skin and to protect it long before expensive foundations were marketed by the cosmetic houses.

Buchu infusion (Agathosma betulina)

Buchu has been used by Zulu women for centuries to cure internal ailments, especially those affecting the digestive tract. Making herbal infusions is a refreshing and holistic way to ease the body into healing.

The leaves must be blanched to make the tea; they must not be boiled.

Add only one teaspoon of buchu to a cup of just-boiled water and let it stand for about five minutes. Strain the leaves from the liquid and drink it.

Sweeten up? You could sweeten the infusion by adding some honey and a dash of fresh lime

Be informed:

  • Make absolutely sure you know that you are using the correct herbal ingredient
  • Do not drink the same kind of infusion for prolonged periods of time- the maximum amount of time you should consume the same infusion is 10 days
  • Try to restrict your intake to one cup per day
  • Use them with care- understand how powerful the effects are. Should you have any side effects, stop immediately and consult your health practitioner.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Perhaps one of the most visually impactful qualities of the Zulu woman’s approach to defining beauty lies in her extravagant use of colour. Not only do the colours themselves represent individually aspects of a person’s character, but the combinations they are arranged in and the shapes and patterns incorporated articulate messages. Her display of colour is a trait we see often in nature- a blatant exhibition of her self, showing her lack of inhibition. She understands that her beauty is enhanced by her surroundings, and she demonstrates an indulgent appreciation for bold colour because of the power that it imparts to her.  She is confident and secure enough in herself to ensure that her approach to others is open and unguarded.

A key to the colour code:

Colour Positive symbolism Negative symbolism
black Renewal, matrimony Grief, death
blue Loyalty, question/request Resentment
yellow Prosperity, fertility Wasting away, thirst
green Happiness, satisfaction Conflict, sickness
pink Oath, promise, high birthright Destitution, idleness
red Passion, eros Rage, intolerance
white Devotion, clarity, spiritualism  

White is the only colour without a negative meaning; it is symbolic of a higher spiritual love and, teamed with blue, it is a population marriage combination and a symbol of a deep connection.

Something old, something new- something borrowed from another view

Every part of the Zulu passage through life was cause for celebration and as such needed to acknowledge the source from whence it came. Her intuitive sense was attributed to the relationship the Zulu woman was able to maintain with her ancestors and the spirits that guided her. Nothing that she achieved was considered in its singularity- it was part of a greater network in which she was merely one part and humbly acknowledged her role. She understood, as we now understand, that she was a living piece of history and constantly reviewed her progress by looking back at her past. In much the same way that she created beautiful baskets by weaving different strands, fibres and textures together, she is able to plait a successful life story. Our role in building from our past is to consider it a palimpsest- layer upon layer and taking all perspectives into consideration, growing ourselves and finding our inner beauty.