Zemanek-Münster

Rare wickerwork shield ·  Cameroon Grassfields, Bamum · ID: 3050163

sold EUR 800
Provenance
Alexander Kubetz (1946-2023), Munich, Germany
Size
H: 76,5 cm
B: 84 cm
H: 30.1 inch
B: 33.1 inch

Description

woven raffia, stiffening cane stalks,

Bamum shields had various functions. They served as defensive arm, prestige object, war spoils and, in some cases, state symbol.

During military expeditions, the Bamum traditionally chose a special warrior to walk ahead of the “tupankam” (chief) and his troops, and to carry a special shield treated with powerful protective medicines. If the warrior fell in battle, men were immediately sent out to save his shield, much like soldiers were dispatched to rescue a fallen standard.


The object Rare wickerwork shield with the object ID 3050163 was last part of the auction 101st Auction at November 11, 2023 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 77 achieved a sales price of EUR 800.

You can find more Shields and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.


Comparing literature

Barbier, Jean Paul & Purissima Benitez-Johannot, Shields, Munich, London, New York 2000, p. 44 f.


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