For the Hisatory buffs

[John Sukey]

The English translation of iSandlwana literaly means the second stomach of a cow!

Oh and the small i at the beginning of iSandlwana is the latest interpretation of the Zulu word.



Now if you don't know the significance of that location, you DO NOT deserve to own a Martini-Henry!

[Gibbs505]

So is that the correct redition?

[John Sukey]

I would say so
"A Companion to the Anglo-Zulu War"
Ian Knight
Pen & Sword books ltd.
47 church st.
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S70 2AS
published 2008

Well worth getting if one is interested in that period since it covers lots of things.

[JB White]

Is the small 'a' in hisatory also a recent Zulu addition?

While iSandlwana literally means second stomach, in what context did they apply the word to the landscape?

[John Sukey]

Of course, you didn't actualy think I screwed up the spelling and didn't catch it, did you?

[JB White]

I'm not sure

[Amatikulu]

I spent many years in Zululand and am always cautious of what has been written about the Zulu Wars. The Zulu's had no written language and what has been written down has come through the settlers and British authorities This can hardly be considered unbiased.

That being said, the name Isandhlwana (the spelling I'm accustomed to), was written down probably by someone based on their interpretation of how the listener heard the Zulu word. The Zulu's are great at naming things with descriptive words, and there is a high probability that the word Isandhlwana described the hill.

Having been an extra in the film Zulu Dawn and visited Isandhlwana on many occasions, I find it unlikely that the hill would have been named after the second stomach of a cow. The more commonly stated interpretation of "little hand" is more believable to myself, if I was to describe the hill, a hand is reasonable.

Anyway, I don't think anyone will ever know for certain unless they have a time travel machine.

[John Sukey]

Actualy your version was discussed in the book as well. Ian Knight is a well known authority on the period. In any case, the book gives only a small portion to the battle, but covers most everything else. It's been a very interesting read.

[Sunray]

"...you DO NOT deserve to own a Martini-Henry!..." Haven't ever seen one in decent enough condition. Very much to my annoyance.
Starts with 'Last Post'. 9:18 minutes.

Zulu was a better movie.

[TheDoubleD]

John Denner of Canada and IMA sell some very lovely Martini's with near pristine bores.