It was at the battle of Isandlwana in 1879 and the Zulu regiments were facing decimating fire from British rifles and canons.

The Zulu attack had faltered and they were facing defeat. One man, Mkhosana, a prince and commander of regiments turned the tide of this famous battle. “This is not how our King told us to act” he cried out and singlehandedly rushed forward into a hail of bullets. The regiments, thus inspired, charged behind him and won the battle. Mkhosana, the prince was killed in that charge but Zulu war dances are still held in his honour to this day. His regiment was honoured with the title of “Those who catch the stones of the skies”. This was a reference to their valour in the face of cannon balls raining down on them from above.

The art in this collection depicts that iconic moment and pays tribute to that Zulu warrior prince. The symbolism of the shields is that every warrior swore an oath to be a “Shield of their King” and to protect the nation.