Editing Impi (section)

===Tactics===
{{main article|Pincer movement}}
[[File:Zulu battle tactics language-neutral.svg|thumb|The buffalo horns formation of the Zulu army. Parts 1–4 above: 1 "enemy", 2 "horns", 3 "chest", 4 "loins"]]
The Zulu typically took the offensive, deploying in the well known "buffalo horns" formation. The attack layout was composed of four elements, each of which represented a grouping of Zulu regiments:<ref>Donald Morris, The Washing of the Spears, pp. 43-56</ref>

# '''Left horn or flank'''
# '''Right horn or flank'''
#: The "horns" or flanking elements were used to encircle and pin the enemy. Generally the "horns" were made up of younger greener troops and could be maneuvered separately as needed in an operation.
# '''The "Chest" or central main force''' which delivered the coup de grâce. The prime fighters made up the composition of the main force.
# '''The "Loins" or reserves''' used to exploit success or reinforce elsewhere. Often these were older veterans, sometimes positioned with their backs to the battle so as not to get unduly excited.

[[Encirclement]] tactics were not unique in the region and attempts to surround an enemy were not unknown even in the ritualised battles. The use of separate manoeuvre elements to support a stronger central group was also known in pre-mechanised tribal warfare, as is the use of reserve echelons farther back. What was unique about the Zulu was the degree of organisation, consistency with which they used these tactics, and the speed at which they executed them. Developments and refinements may have taken place after Shaka's death, as witnessed by the use of larger groupings of regiments by the Zulu [[Anglo-Zulu War|against the British]] in 1879. Missions, available manpower and enemies varied, but whether facing native spear, or European bullet, the impis generally fought in and adhered to the classical buffalo horns pattern.<ref>Morris. Washing of the Spears 245-368; See also JD Omer-Cooper's The Zulu Aftermath, for the spread of Zulu methods in south and southeast Africa.</ref>