King Mpande reviewing his troops at Nonduengu, 1849 (lithograph)

The plate captures King Mpande reviewing his troops, the Black and White Shields, at Nonduengu. Soldiers perform extraordinary feats of agility and prowess to impress the king, who is accompanied by his shield-bearer and surrounded by baskets of beer. The scene is marked by deafening shouts and praises as warriors showcase their skills. After the display, soldiers pass before the king, bowing in reverence. The kraal, with its harem and guarded enclosures, serves as the backdrop to this military spectacle. A journal entry reveals the intricacies of Zulu etiquette and the king's cautious reception of European visitors, offering a glimpse into the cultural dynamics of the time. DISCLAIMER: THIS DIGITIZED RESOURCE CONTAINS COLONIAL-ERA MATERIALS WITH POTENTIALLY OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE AND ATTITUDES. APPROACH WITH HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND DISCRETION