Rare wickerwork shield

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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.

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Comparing literature

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

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