User blog comment:Battlefan237/From A to Z:Aboriginal Australian Warriors vs. Zulu Warriors/@comment-27358240-20190816130803

Kazanshin's " *sweats in British* " edges:

Spear&Shield: As mentioned below, the Iklwa and the Ishalngu's whole purpose is to get into close quarters, where the longer and clumsier spears is at a disadvantage, then slaughtering the enemy. The iklwa is also a more versatile weapon than the Aboriginal spear, as it can be used both as a slashing and stabbing weapon. The Aboriginal spear isn't without advantages, with it's superior length and throwing ability, but the weapon created to counter the other wins it out in this matchup. Edge: Zulu

Long range: The Woomera is more accurate with a longer range, and as far as I've heard you can even use the caster itself as a striking melee weapon. I've seen demonstrations with atlatl-like weapons, and they can be extremey accurate and lethal, going straight through pigs or boars, which are reknowned for their durability. The fact that the Aboriginals have woomeras doesn't stop them from using the spears themselves as javelins either, it's an extra weapon with extra range and axtra power. Edge: Australian Aboriginal

Close range: Easy edge to the axe, or in Zulu language, isizenze. It has a more lethal killing method (slashing vs blunt force), can be used for both concussive and slashing attacks and can hook an enemy's shield away. It may not have the length of the Nulla nulla, but it definitely makes up for that with its superior speed. Axes are just overall superior to clubs and maces in general. Edge: Zulu

Special: Both are fancy clubs that can be thrown, but it's clear that one is meant to kill and the other isn't. The boomerang has a blade-like sharpened edge which will increase the lethality of a blow by a huge margin, and while the round knob of the iwisa may concentrate the weight of the club on one end, it doesn't help for speed. The boomerang doubles as an effective ranged weapon, while the iwisa as a projectile is honestly a oor excuse for a weapon. It's all about that design, the boomerang gets the edge. Edge: Australian Aboriginal

Final Verdict: While the Aborigine has some good tricks up his sleeves, in the end this is just another iron vs wood & bone battle. The superior weapons that can be crafted with iron are usually far more impressive and lethal than what can be made of wood, stone and bone, especially if you're not using something special like fossilized bones or obsidian.The Aborigine has the edge at long range, but the Zulu after Shaka were trained specifically to counter and defeat enemies that fight at long range with javelins. In a sense, pre-Shaka Zulus and Australian Aborigines were quite similar: triibal warriors who fought by using spears and throwing them from long range while carrying large shields and almost never engaging in massive scale warfare. Shaka's reforms were specifically made to counter that style, which is why I'm giving my win to the Zulu Warriors. Deadliest Warrior: Zulu Warriors