Watusi

28″ H. X 20″ W.

For some 6000 years, a group of cattle with huge horns played a role in African tribes. One of the oldest and most exciting breed of these cattle is the Watusi. Also known as “Cattle of Kings”, “Ankole Cattle” and “Royal Ox”, this breed originated in East Africa. Cave drawings and other artifacts suggest these cattle played important roles in the tribes lives.

Exceptional cattle with huge horns (12 ft. or more from tip to tip) were only owned by the King and considered to be sacred. They were considered a sign of wealth within the tribe and were seldom slaughtered for meat, except in coming of adulthood ceremonies.

Nature helped develop the character of Watusi in order for survival. The young have to be born quickly and be strong enough to outrun predators within a short time after birth. The breed is highly social and prefer to stay in a group for company and protection. At night, they form a circle with the adults lying on the outside and the calves in the inner circle with their horns out to protect the calves from lions.

Watusi are especially resistant to drought, heat and direct sunlight. Their large horns are also useful in cooling their body temperature by circulating blood to the ends of their horns. A stout heart, health, wealth, and good fortune are also associated with these cattle.

watusi-28h-x-20w1

June 8, 2009 by  






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