Superb artwork donated to museum
The oil on canvas painting, measuring 88 X 60cm, projects deep and bold colours, to add to the feel of royalty and power
THE Zululand Historical Museum in eShowe recently received a superb painting of King Cetshwayo (1826-1884), painted by Tania Morkel.
Cetshwayo kaMpande ruled the Zulu Kingdom from 1873 to 1879.
The oil on canvas painting, measuring 88 X 60cm, projects deep and bold colours, to add to the feel of royalty and power.
The work of art was originally undertaken in preparation for a historical mural commemorating the gathering of Prince Alfred and Cetshwayo, among other dignitaries, when the first stones were laid to build the Cape Town harbour in 1860.
The painting was completed in 2019.
During the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, King Cetshwayo famously led the Zulu nation to victory against the British in the Battle of Isandlwana.
Tania Morkel lives and works in Rondebosch, Cape Town and her style of work can be regarded as largely realistic.
The painting
The painting depicts the King Cetshwayo seated in his royal hut and a distant landscape is visible through the hut opening to the left.
The King is portrayed circa 1879, at the height of his power, surrounded by objects symbolising his eminence, royalty and life history.
A leopard skin is draped behind him and because the leopard is regarded as the ruler of predators, it is customarily utilised by Zulu royalty.
The short Nguni war shield to the right signifies power, law and justice.
The shields, made from hides of the ‘inyonikayipumuli’ cow herd, were used in 1856 during Cetshwayo’s campaign against Mbulazi.
The colour of the shield is a rare white, usually reserved for chiefs, but during Cetshwayo’s reign, 18 of his regiments of married men were allowed to use these shields.
The elephant tusks and lion hide symbolise strength and power.
The silver three-handled mug to the right was presented by Queen Victoria to Cetshwayo when he visited the United Kingdom in 1882.
The landscape with huts, aloes and rolling hills in the distance, epitomises the pastoral scenery of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
King Cetshwayo’s necklace of lion claws indicates power and achievement and was usually reserved for the exclusive use of Zulu kings.
On his upper arms, he wears cow’s tail tufts to make him appear broad.
The loin cover, made from the fur of wild cats, was customarily used for special occasions.
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