War shield

This ancient shield, rectangular in shape, was engraved with a lithic tool and painted with geometric motifs. The shield’s decoration is made up of highly stylized elements whose complex, rich graphics and color scheme are characteristic of the aesthetics of this region.
The shield is carved in champlevé with geometric motifs organized along a longitudinal and horizontal axis.
Between these bands, chevrons, spirals, serrations and rounded X lines decorate the object. The back of the shield is unpainted
It is pierced with four holes for the attachment of ropes.
This type of large shield was used more for defense: a line of men holding these shields protected men armed with assegais or arrows. The face of the shield, facing the enemy, was used not only to stop or deflect projectiles (arrows, javelins, stones), but also to convey a message.
The motifs are sometimes loaded with symbols and signals intended for the attacker.
Here, the painted motifs refer to plants and animals linked to the owner’s clan.

The shield is more than a tool of war, it’s an attribute of identity.

Price: €19,000

sold without base