Shaka Zulu is one that is pretty highly requested, but I’ve been resisting it because this statue is the only good depiction I found to work from, but wasn’t sculpted from life - it’s actually located in Camden Market in the UK. There are drawings and depictions of him (none contemporary that I know of), that depict him in this same way, so I feel it does have elements of accuracy. Even though this one may not be totally accurate, I hope you all enjoy it anyway!.Shaka kaSenzangakhona (Shaka Zulu) was a powerful South African King, ruling over the Zulu Kingdom from 1816 - 1828. He was born in 1787 near present-day Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal Province. Shaka was the illegitimate son of the previous king, and served as a soldier in his youth. When Shaka came to power, he began to expand the empire and align with smaller neighbors to protect them from their Northern enemies, the Ndwandwe. Shaka preferred to apply diplomatic pressure over warfare. He was a master of social and propagandistic political methods, as well as a great warrior when he decided to engage. He is often depicted holding the distinctive spear and shield of the Zulu warriors. Shaka was ultimately assassinated by his own half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana. His reputation is a bit shaky, as scholars disagree on the extent to which he revolutionized warfare methods as he is credited. Overall a really interesting figure to learn about.
Left Portrait: Public Domain (if anyone knows the actual sculptor, I was struggling to find the right credit), Right Portrait base: iStock photo. Information: based from Wikipedia. Created using Photoshop.
