The Museum Village - in the grounds of the picturesque Fort Nongqayi in Eshowe - houses a series of museums covering a wide range of local interest from early Iron Age to contemporary Zulu art and craft, from natural history to missionary history and from wars between nations to the battle against the tsetse fly.
The three-turreted white fort which houses the Zululand Historical Museum was built in 1883 by the British to house the barefoot Zulu police force (the Nongqayi) whose task it was to protect and enforce British administration following the Anglo-Zulu War.
Also in the grounds is a relocated 19th century corrugated-iron settler's house with a restaurant and tea garden offering excellent food and refreshment in a relaxed atmosphere.

Although the Zululand Historical Museum depicts the history of Zululand from early Iron Age, its central focus is on the fascinating cross-cultural influences of the past 200 years.
Pride of place in the collection goes to the mobile wooden chair made for the ailing King Mpande by the first Norwegian missionary in Zululand, Bishop Hans Schreuder.
In the 1850's King Mpande had great difficulty in walking due to his obesity - caused probably by the disease now known as dropsy.
Bishop Schreuder had gained a reputation as a 'doctor' amongst his Zulu converts and was called upon to alleviate the suffering of the king.

Also on display are several rare brass armbands (ingxotha) worn by kings and soldiers, who were decorated for their bravery during the time of King Dingane, King Mpande and King Cetshwayo.
These accessories - which were a sign of high status but incredibly uncomfortable to wear - reveal the early craft of Zulu metalwork.

The museum also houses an impressive collection of fine mahogany and teak furniture and memorabilia from the main residences which housed the only White Chief of Zululand, John Dunn, his 49 wives and 117 children.
Although Dunn had adopted Zulu customs and a Zulu lifestyle, his taste in furnishings reflect a distinct European fondness for comfort.

vukani - 'wake up and get going'

ukhamba - 'earthenware pot in which beer is traditionally served'

imbenge - 'bowl woven in grass to cover the clay beer pots'

unyazi - 'shallow woven bowl used for serving food'