The Zulu Wars

Their name means “People of the Heavens.” The descendants of a man by the last name of Zulu formed the clan about 165 years ago. Those from several different clans in eastern coastal parts of South Africa comprised the rest of the group. In 1816 Shaka Zulu became the ruler of the clan, a brilliant warrior who led them in the conquest of many neighboring tribes, gaining power over the defeated people and their land.

White European settlers had been in Southern Africa for about 330 years, since 1488. They set up chartered companies to conduct trade in the East Indies, and among various goods, they also imported more Dutch and German settlers, French Protestant refugees, and enslaved Africans. In 1820 alone about 5000 British settlers arrived.

The British wished to control the Boer republics (where mostly Dutch white settlers had been established in South Africa) and tried to take control over the Zulus by upholding false Boer land claims against them. When the Zulus refused to submit to British rule, the British attacked in January of 1879, the Zulus were fiercely opposing. They fought an unparalleled resistance, despite the fact that the British guns and horses seemed so superior to the Zulus’ spears and tactics. As Benjamin Disraeli said, "A remarkable people the Zulu. They defeat our generals, convert our bishops, and put an end to a great European dynasty."

Things Fall Apart

I recently finished reading Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Now, most people when talking about this novel will focus on the powerful, yet tragically flawed, main character, Okonkwo, or the main theme, which explores the Igbo culture before and after European colonization in Nigeria. I want to focus on a different aspect, however; a figure who is comparatively overlooked: Ekwefi, Okonkwo's third wife.

Before I go any further, let me first acknowledge that the people in this book are fictional; however, it is assumed that each person is meant to lend some light to the real Igbo tribe. With that in mind, let us consider some of Ekwefi’s qualities that may represent the strength of the Igbo. I was drawn to her subtle and silent, yet certain, displays of strength.

Earlier in the novel, the narrator reveals Ekwefi’s motherhood as nothing short of horrifying, where nine children fell ill and died in their infancy. A medicine man said that it was because she bore a wicked child who kept re-entering her womb to cause more suffering to its mother. “The birth of her children, which should be a woman’s crowning glory, became for Ekwefi mere physical agony devoid of promise.” As the novel states, “her sorrow gave way to despair and then to grim resignation.” The names she gave her children displayed this perfectly: with meanings from “May it not happen again” to “Death may please himself.”

In spite of this, Ekwefi loves her tenth child, Ezinma, completely. Their friendship is very close, and Ezinma even calls her mother by her first name. I find it commendable that even after enduring such a trying past, she does not let the torture of it consume her. Even though she became depressed or bitter at times, she never lost her ability to love. She could have become distant or perpetually angry, like Okonkwo, who could not deal with his father’s failure, or his own failure.

Ekwefi is also victim to Okonkwo’s short temper and frequent outbursts of rage and violence. One day he is upset and comes up with an excuse to beat her because he has nothing else to do to keep his thoughts occupied. He even shoots a gun at her (he misses the shot). She takes the abuse without a word.
She is also the only of Okonkwo’s three wives audacious enough to bang his door, which she does when Ezinma falls ill one morning.

When Chielo, the prophesying priestess, comes wailing for the child Ezinma in the middle of the night, Ekwefi follows her on the extremely long, frightening trip to the cave, despite warnings and screaming protests from the priestess herself. Either very brave or very determined, she is willing to fight to defend Ezinma even against a god. This shows her understanding that love is more important than fear.

Ekwefi's mannerisms are cool and poised. Her kindness is unwavering, and her love is unquestioning, even towards Okonkwo, for whom she still retains affections. Her resolve is inspiring, as it isn't marred by fear, abuse, death, depression, or misfortune. She is an example of great Igbo strength and amaranthine glory.

The Aksumite Empire

The Aksumite Empire is named after its capital city Aksum, a trading nation that existed in modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, in northeastern Africa, between 4th century BC and 1st century AD.

The city of Aksum and its rulers profited immensely as one of the major powers of the Red Sea. Its port Adulis was a crucial point in the route that connected the Roman Empire to wealthy India via the Red Sea network. The Aksum wealth it gained from the trade was used to conquer rival neighbors such as the Kingdom of Kush.

Aksum came to control much of northeast Africa as well as parts of the Middle East by the early 4th century, but by the 7th centry its power started to dwindle when Muslim sailors were gaining control over trade via the Red Sea.

It converted to Christianity in the beginning of the 4th century, when the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion was first built (it was restored many times), and many believe this church is the place where the Ark of the Covenant holds the Ten Commandments. According to wisegeek.com, "The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims that the Ark was brought to the region by Menelik I on his way back from a meeting with King Solomon, his father. The Ark is said to be held in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, and is watched over by a guardian who is appointed for life. None but the guardian may view the Ark, and the guardian may never leave the chapel where the Ark is held." In this church is also where Ethiopian emperors were crowned. The Queen of Sheba lived in Aksum, and today her legendary bath is a historic site, a large reservoir that was carved out of solid rock at least a millennium before her time.

Solomon and the Queen of Sheba