Braided shield "kor" · Cameroon, Mambila · ID: 3049542
Price
EUR 2,500
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance
Provenance
American Private CollectionSize
H: 125 cm
B: 106,5 cm
H: 49.2 inch
B: 41.9 inch
Description
palm fibres, wood, sheet metal, with traditional patterns and tribal symbols
These shields were once used for warfare when, around the late 19th century, the Fulani raided the Mambila Plateau in search of slaves
As early as the 19th century, they were collected by German and English administrators, travellers and missionaries, traded with other groups or taken as war trophies by neighbours.
They are still used today in the “nggwun” dances, which are closely associated with the investiture of chiefs. The dance is performed when the chief restates his oath of office and swears not to abuse his position.
Comparing literature
Barbier, Jean Paul & Purissima Benitez-Johannot, Shields, Munich, London, New York 2000, p. 40 f.