Large shield - Songye - Congo
Traditional weapons in African art: shields
African shield of power, their functions were in no way used for clashes wars or other, only senior members of the chieftain by owning it, it makes shielding an extremely rare piece. See the state, harvested in situ in the 1930s, this piece is simply in a remarkable state "in its own juice", exceptional patina, wood quality meeting the criteria of the time.
You will notice the presence of a Kiwebe mask in the middle of the shield, pretty traces of wear are notably visible. The fiber knotting is clearly not decorative, this piece is old and not westernized, it really keeps the two parts together.
This very unusual item was purchased by a collector in our art gallery, the reference in tribal art in Belgium.
Origin : private collection Dr. Strauss, GermanyDating : 1940-1950'sSize : 98 x 35 cmMaterial : wood
00334
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
Traditional weapons in African art: shields
African shield of power, their functions were in no way used for clashes wars or other, only senior members of the chieftain by owning it, it makes shielding an extremely rare piece. See the state, harvested in situ in the 1930s, this piece is simply in a remarkable state "in its own juice", exceptional patina, wood quality meeting the criteria of the time.
You will notice the presence of a Kiwebe mask in the middle of the shield, pretty traces of wear are notably visible. The fiber knotting is clearly not decorative, this piece is old and not westernized, it really keeps the two parts together.
This very unusual item was purchased by a collector in our art gallery, the reference in tribal art in Belgium.
Origin : private collection Dr. Strauss, GermanyDating : 1940-1950'sSize : 98 x 35 cmMaterial : wood