The Special Collections Book of the Week this week is:

The Abundant Herds: a celebration of the Nguni cattle of the Zulu people by Marguerite Poland et al.

This unique book gives an overview of the history of Nguni cattle and their economic, social, political and spiritual importance to the Zulu people, both past and present. With oil and watercolour paintings and sepia drawings, it examines the vital role played by cattle and cattle related imagery in the oral tradition of the Zulu people. Cattle have become a part of the spiritual and aesthetic lives of the people, which has given rise to a poetic and complex naming practice. This work not only records something of this indigenous heritage and knowledge for posterity, but also celebrates the creative imagination and linguistic versatility of the Zulu people.

Access: https://UnivofPretoria.on.worldcat.org/oclc/52992861

This book is available at Special Collections, housed on level 5 of the Merensky 2 Library, and is part of our Africana (ZA) Collection.

The Special Collections unit of the Department of Library Services plays a stewardship role in the acquisition and preservation of the Library's rare and valuable information resources, making them accessible to students, staff and researchers, as well as safeguarding them for future generations.