Shield, early 20th century
Nuerexpand_more
Hippopotamus skin, woodexpand_more
The Mary Ruth Weisel Endowment for Africa, Oceania, and the Americasexpand_more 2016.28.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
African shields, while primarily functional objects used in warfare, also played a role as dance regalia during funerals and serves as statue 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 are. 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.
Details
- Title
- Shield
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2016.28.2
- 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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