Question

whats kind of clothes did the zulu tribe wear

Answer 1

Short answer: traditional Zulu clothing used animal skins and lots of beadwork; specific garments varied by sex, age, social status and occasion. Today people usually wear modern clothes but traditional dress is worn for ceremonies, dances, weddings and by cultural performers.

More detail:

- Materials: animal hides (cow, goatskin; leopard skins were reserved for high-ranking men), woven cloth later replaced some skins, and extensive glass-beadwork for decoration and signaling.

- Women:
- Isidwaba: a wrapped skirt originally made of leather, now often cloth, worn by married women.
- Isicholo: the wide, low, often red hat/ceremonial headpiece traditionally worn by married women at weddings and important events.
- Beadwork: necklaces, aprons, belts and headbands. Bead patterns and colors can convey age, marital status and messages.

- Men:
- Ibheshu (leather apron): a hide apron or flap worn by men, especially dancers and sometimes married men; used with or without other coverings.
- Headbands and fur rings (umqhele) and feathered headpieces for warriors or chiefs.
- Chiefs/royalty: leopard skins, special feathered insignia and more elaborate regalia.
- In warrior dance and ceremonial dress, shields (isihlangu) and spears are also carried.

- Ceremonial vs everyday: Traditional regalia is most visible at weddings, funerals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and public cultural events. In daily life most Zulu people wear modern Western-style clothing.

If you want, I can show pictures or give more detail about specific garments, bead patterns and what the colors mean.