Final answer:
Early Zulu religion at first contact with Europeans was influenced by a history of polytheism and belief in a supreme being. With the spread of Christianity and Islam, it transformed, often incorporating traditional beliefs and rituals, leading to a unique cultural expression of faith.
Step-by-step explanation:
The picture of Zulu religion derived from the earliest period of recorded contact between Zulu and European cultures is complex and layered. It evolved considerably from ancient beliefs characterized by polytheism, and a supreme being distant from daily life, to state societies with dominant ideologies during the time of European colonization and the spread of monotheistic religions. The Zulu, like other African societies, experienced a blending of ancient belief systems with newly introduced religious practices, particularly with the expansion of Christianity. Scholars like John Thornton suggest that African Christianity in regions such as Kongo did not radically break from traditional beliefs but rather incorporated them, emphasizing existing tendencies in those societies. Africanized Islam and the concept of a vital force in Bantu philosophy, as detailed by Placide Tempels, represent the multi-faceted nature of African religious beliefs. The coexistence and eventual blend of ancient religious practices with monotheistic religions introduced by migration and colonization resulted in unique cultural expressions of faith throughout the continent, including the Zulu nation. The description you provided appears to be incomplete, and I would be happy to help if you provide more context or details about the picture of Zulu religion and the earliest period of recorded contact between Zulu and European cultures. If you have specific information or a question about the Zulu religion during that time, please share more details, and I'll do my best to assist you.