Swaziland, a small enclave in South Africa, Zulu territory. 21” length, made from the root cluster and trunk of a sapling with the twig sprouts intact and the gnarled root cluster providing cleavage for better purchase. Good old example with fine patina from handling. The Swazi are related to and speak the same language, Bantu/Nguni, as the Zulu. They maintained their independence from the Zulu during Mfecane (C.1815-40) and specifically pride themselves as a homogeneous separate culture.
