Shield ·  D. R. Congo, Azande · ID: 3035944

Description

basketry with wooden frame and grip board, dark brown ground with patterns in light-beige, remains of paint, min. dam., slight traces of usage;
shield patterns identified shield bearers during battle and owners were expected to maintain the “dignity” of their shields. 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.

The object Shield with the object ID 3035944 was part of the auction 75th tribal art auction on November 30, 2013. The object with the lot number 386 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,200 with an asking price of EUR 800.

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Comparing literature

Barbier, Jean Paul, Benitez-Johannot, P., Shields, Munich, London, New York 2000, p. 86 f., ill. 26