PolarBear
Major
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2007
- Messages
- 6,706
This scene depicts a triumphant Zulu warrior who has just killed a British soldier of the 24th Regiment of Foot in fierce hand-to-hand combat during the final stages of the battle of Isandlwana on January 22, 1879. The warrior is in the process of carrying out the Zulu ritual known as “the Washing of the Spears.” This was a purification ritual that required the warrior to pierce the stomach of his victim (disembowelment) with his spear to release his enemy’s spirits so that they could have safe passage to the otherworld rather than haunt the warrior here on earth. The warrior was also required to wear an article of clothing of the deceased (often as here the bright red tunic) and to stay away from other Zulus for a period of time in order to cleanse himself of the taint of shedding another’s blood. Upon completion the Zulu warrior could return to his village as a hero.
The Washing of the Spears is part of what mythologist Joseph Campbell described as the “hero’s journey” that is characteristic of cultures around the world. Examples of this journey may be found in religion (the Buddha), literature (Cooper’s Leatherstocking), music (Parsifal) and popular culture (Luke Skywalker).
The Washing of the Spears is part of what mythologist Joseph Campbell described as the “hero’s journey” that is characteristic of cultures around the world. Examples of this journey may be found in religion (the Buddha), literature (Cooper’s Leatherstocking), music (Parsifal) and popular culture (Luke Skywalker).
Mike
