Your Nguni Hide and Its Story
Nguni hides have become a very desired home decor item throughout the world.
The Nguni skins are all unique, no two will ever be the same. They have a combination of black, brown and white patterns. These markings are the same as a fingerprint is to a human and the traditional Zulu’s are able to tell his cattle by these patterns.
So where did the Nguni Hide originate from? What makes it so popular & who are the Nguni people?
There is and has always been a certain mystique surrounding the Nguni Hide. To understand the story we need to take a peek into the Nguni people.
History of the Nguni People.
What we know of the Nguni people and their history is mostly the “magic” of legends. Quite literally our knowledge comes from stories shared through the ages. Traditionally it is told that the Nguni people migrated from Central Africa towards South Africa some 7000 years ago. The Nguni people then continued through South Africa to settle in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, bringing with them livestock and crops not previously seen in the area.
Nguni Cattle
The Nguni Cattle are indigenous to Southern Africa and were introduced by the Nguni people. The cattle are medium in size and known for their fertility and resistance to disease.
Nuguni Hide – Multi-coloured & Patterned
The Nguni hide is famous for its multicoloured and patterned skin.
Black Tipped Noses!
Did you know – that all Nguni cattle have black-tipped noses! Their skins may be a varied as a kaleidoscope but they share this one common feature.
How much does a Nguni cow cost?
Nguni cow prices
Nguni Bulls are on average R 29 800 with the highest price being around R40 000
Nguni Cows are on average R9 000 and pregnant cows go for R20 000
What is so special about Nguni cattle?
Nguni Cattle Names
Nguni Cattle and hide names are typically very beautifully & creatively descriptive of the tribes natural surroundings.
The names are often humourous and can reflect the deep connection and love the tribes have with their cattle. Each Nguni hide is unique just like a fingerprint so you are buying a very personal piece of art history that has its own story to tell.
The Names Tell Their Very Own Story
imatshoNgoye – the stones of the Ngoye forest
inkampu – of cutting in two
inkomo eyezindlu – the beast which is houses
engabantubegulile – like old people
imaqandakahuye – the eggs of the lark
inala – abundance
Nguni hides have become a very desired home decor item throughout the world.
The Nguni cattle originate from the hills of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and Nguni cattle get their name from the different tribes of Southern Africa. These cattle have been past down from generation to generation of traditional Africans and is the traditional way to tell the wealth of a tribe or tribesman.
