Zulu
The Zulu people, " the people of the heavens", are a large population located in mainly KwaZulu-Natal, southeastern Africa. "Zululand" is found within the northeastern part of KwaZulu-Natal and consists of a subtropical climate that is sunny almost all year round. The summer months' temperature can reach almost 32 degrees Celsius (89-90 F) and the winters range around from 16 to 25 degrees Celsius (60 to 77 F). The Midlands have a mild climate with fairly warm, humid summers that average around 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) and dry, sunny winters.
Originating from the Nguni clans, some living nomadic a life with consistent exposure to the sun presents a main physical adaption that the Zulu obtained. Having a historic exposure to the sun's rays has made it possible for them to withstand the damaging effects of UV radiation with the higher eumelanin content in their skin and hair. The clothing that is worn by the Zulu holds certain meanings in their culture. For the men, the amaShoba, a cows tail worn on the upper arms and below the knees, is simply meant to give the appearance of greater bulk to the body. The iBeshu, rear apron made of calf skin, are worn by the men involved in active pursuits. Younger men will wear them to knee length while those worn by older men have them down to their ankles. Leopard skin however is exclusive for those who are held at a higher position. Lastly, only married men wear headbands. Clothing for the women consists of short grass skirts for single maidens and covered chests with grown out hair for engaged women. Married women have to wear treated cowhide that completely covers their body and an embellished covering over her breasts.
http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/kwazulu-natal/travel-guide/kwazulu-natal-weather-climate
http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/zulu
http://www.zulu-culture.co.za/zulu_clothing.php#.WUKOdoWcFPY
Assignment due Tuesday at midnight. Submitted for half-credit.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that "environment" goes beyond "weather". It includes whether it is forested, savannas or desert. It also includes the amount of solar radiation is received and the altitudes of the local, stresses that are important for explaining adaptations.
I agree with your choice of physical adaptation to UV radiation. Good explanation.
Remember that "adaptations" need to help the person in some way deal with an environmental stresses described in your first paragraph. So how do the clothing choices you've discussed as cultural adaptations help with those stresses? You discuss possible sociocultural reasons for these clothing styles, but this post was to be directed to environmental adaptations. How do clothing style choices by the Zulu help with the heat/aridity/solar radiation?
The Zulu are from the continent of Africa, so why would they be African *Americans*? They are not from America, correct? And "Africa" is a geographical location/continent, not a race. There are many races that live in Africa, so we can't use it to indicate just one. A more accurate choice would be "black" or "negroid". You note that you used language as part of the reason for your choice, but race is only based upon superficial physical traits, like skin color and facial features. Ethnicity is based upon physical and cultural traits. Don't confuse race and ethnicity.
Missing the discussion on the Andeans for comparison? Also missing the final summary? If you choose to add these, email me so I can return and grade them.