By Mzala Tom
A chief was a representative of the king in the community. The founding chief of a particular village was appointed by the king on the basis of his bravery and skill in battle, as a military regiment/ibutho leader.
Chieftaincy just like kingship was retained within a family and passed on through generational succession. The eldest son/indlalifa was the natural successor. If he was too young, a regent ibamba, would be appointed to hold fort until he was of age.
A chief had his own spear, knobkerrie and shield that he used in battle. These he also carried as part of his dressing in public events and meetings. His shield was of an ox whose colour was intusi.
A necklace made of toe nails of an eagle was also an important part of the chief’s regalia. These toe nails spiritually protected the chief from his enemies and also symbolised that he was a fierce leader who would defend his subjects like an eagle.
The chief also wore a necklace made of lion claws. The chief had to go on a lion hunt to show his bravery and courage. After killing the lion, the claws were drilled with a sharp metal device known as incukuthu. A string was then threaded through to make the necklace.
Nbebele attire
These necklaces are known as izigqizo. Once they were mixed with powerful herbs, these necklaces became a potent spiritual force. When the chief spoke his voice was powerful like a roaring lion. His countenance was fierce like that of an eagle and a lion.
Below the elbows the chief tied izigetsho. These are made from white hairy goat skins. Below the knees the chief tied the same long goat hair skin, which was called amadloli. The black colour is generally not accepted.
Chiefs also wore leopard skins on their waist. These skins were worn with other animal skins as amabhetshu. Other animal skins were from gents/insimba or nkone cattle. Only kings were allowed to wear leopard skins on their shoulders.
Chiefs also had an option of wearing imithika/imithinsi (skin kilt with strips hanging from the waist).
These leather skins are twisted and ended just above the knees. These are made from colourful animal skins, and chiefs often added leopard skins.
Ndebele men generally wore head gears known as indlukula. These hats are made of ostrich feathers and the feathers are kept fairly long. There was another type of hat made of ostrich feathers known as isigula. It is round in shape and looks like a folded hedgehog.
The chief’s indlukula is distinguished by a white feather that is sworn in the centre. The king’s indlukula had feathers of a roller/ifefe to distinguish it. The colours are colourful – blue and lilac. (source: RealMzalaTom)