Shield · D. R. Congo, Azande · ID: 3042827
Description
plant fibre, basketry, wooden frame, grip board backside, min. dam., slight traces of usage and abrasion.
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 3042827 was last part of the auction 87th Tribal Art Auction at November 11, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 367 achieved a sales price of EUR 900.
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Comparing literature
Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Dieter Plaschke, Afrikanische Schilde, München 1992, p. 104