Plaited shield
D. R. Congo, Azande
sold
EUR 3,500
Provenance
Old Belgian CollectionMichel van den Dries, Gavere, Belgium
Size
H: 109 cm B: 48 cm
H: 42.9 inch B: 18.9 inch
Description
rattan, wood (frame and grip board),
The weave of this shield is particularly dense and accurately worked, the large grip board on the back particularly elaborately decorated.
After the troops return, the royal prince who had ordered the raid distributed captured enemy shields, as a means of showing his benevolence. He awarded them to outstanding warriors who regarded such a shield as a mark of distinction.