Umqhele

An umqhele ([umǃʰɛle], plural imiqhele)[1] is a traditional Zulu circular headband made of fur.[2] Imiqhele were worn by Zulu men prior to colonization of South Africa, especially by soldiers and elites,[3] and are worn by male members of the Nazareth Baptist Church.[4] They are also worn by Ndebele people, who make them from the tails of cattle.[5] Nazareth Baptist Church imiqhele are frequently made from the fur of leopards, antelope, or serval.[6]

A South African person wearing an umqhele
A Nazareth Baptist Church follower wearing an umqhele on a pilgrimage in 2009

References

  1. Chakravarty 2014, p. xii.
  2. Chakravarty 2014, p. xiv.
  3. Chakravarty 2014, p. 115.
  4. Chakravarty 2014, p. 116.
  5. "Shylet's umqhele (headband)". Galway City Museum. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  6. Chakravarty 2014, p. 181.

Bibliography


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