The Abundant Herds: A Celebration of the Nguni Cattle and Zulu People

This book, illustrated by internationally acclaimed artist, Leigh Voigt, examines the role played by the Nguni cattle and cattle-related imagery in the oral tradition of the Zulu. Throughout the ages, wellbeing of the herds has been so closely connected to that of men that cattle have become part of the spiritual and aesthetic lives of the people, a perception that is mirrored in their poetic and complex naming practice. While the terms form the core of a fascinating classification system, cattle imagery also abounds in Zulu oral history and poetry; in tales, proverbs, riddles and the ‘praises’ of individual beasts. For the younger generation this knowledge is fast fading and there is a real danger that a precious branch of indigenous knowledge will ultimately disappear. The aim of this work is not only to record a part of this unique heritage for posterity, but also to celebrate the richness of Zulu linguistic versatility and the creative imagination of the Zulu people.