Language of colours amongst the Zulus expressed by their bead-work ornaments; and some general notes on their personal adornments and clothing

Abstract

To cite this article: Mayr, F. 1907. Language of colours amongst the Zulus expressed by their bead-work ornaments; and some general notes on their personal adornments and clothing. Annals of the Natal Government Museum 1 (2): 159-65, with Plate XXVII.

I propose to place before the reader a few notes on the personal ornaments used by Zulus, especially with reference to the meanings assigned to the variously coloured beads which are so generally used in certain of their adornments.

The natives have given each colour of beads a special name and meaning; and they have invented a kind of language of colour, whereby they can convey their thoughts from one to another without speaking.