roughly rectangular shaped with rounded edges, with long sides tapering slightly toward top; inward curve at bottom edge; two looping curved at top; rounded surface with concave and convex areas; body is light-colored hardened animal hide, with curled-over, darkened edges; three decorative elements with green hide trim, red cloth and metal ornaments (large domed metal studs in two sizes and four pyramidal metal elements)--two roughly hourglass-shaped elements and one triangular element; some incised lines forming a starburst at center; arrow and lines in dark pigment at bottom center; metal handle on back; handle covered in dark brown leather

Shield, late 19th century

Tuaregexpand_more

Antelope hide, wood, cloth, metal, pigmentsexpand_more

The Mary Ruth Weisel Endowment for Africa, Oceania, and the Americasexpand_more  2016.27

Not on Viewexpand_more

African shields, while primarily functional objects used in warfare, also played a role as dance regalia during funerals and served as status objects and symbols of identification. Because they were often made for ostentatious display, their appearance—size, decoration, and materials—was of vital importance. As such, shields can be appreciated as sculptural expressions of creativity and craftsmanship, blurring the line between utilitarian skill and fine art. Displaying these four shields from different parts of Africa in the round allows one to see details inside.

The light-colored shield, made of antelope skin in the 1800s, belonged to an aristocratic warrior of the Tuareg, a people who live throughout the Sahara region of northwestern Africa. The incised cross motif in the center may be an invocation in the Tuareg script that empowers the shield to protect its owner against the evil eye and the weapons of his enemies. The dark-colored shield is also of hide, but from the hippopotamus. Owned by a Nuer cattle herder of the Republic of South Sudan, it has an asymmetrical surface decoration of bumps that mimics the scarification pattern the Nuer used on their bodies and faces.

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Details
Title
Shield
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2016.27
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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roughly rectangular shaped with rounded edges, with long sides tapering slightly toward top; inward curve at bottom edge; two looping curved at top; rounded surface with concave and convex areas; body is light-colored hardened animal hide, with curled-over, darkened edges; three decorative elements with green hide trim, red cloth and metal ornaments (large domed metal studs in two sizes and four pyramidal metal elements)--two roughly hourglass-shaped elements and one triangular element; some incised lines forming a starburst at center; arrow and lines in dark pigment at bottom center; metal handle on back; handle covered in dark brown leather

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