Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 253:
This shield is likely of the Maasai people of Western Kenya and NorthernTanzania. The pastoralist Maasai from the grasslands of southern Kenya and northern Tanzaniaused these shields in warfare, hunting, and rites of passage. A hide is sewn onto a wooden frameand becomes a convex elliptical canvas onto which an artist traced polychrome geometricpatterns. The motifs of each shield identified the owner’s position within a complex lineagesystem. These symbolic motifs, called sirata, have fallen into disuse. The red and black dyes, traditionally obtained by mixing different types of clays and ashes, were the prerogative ofaccomplished individuals. The colors for the natural dyes were made from local materials: red bymixing earth with blood and fruit sap, white from local clays, and black from the skins of burntgourds. It has a handle attached across the center at the back which is often covered with leather.Each shield is uniquely decorated with patterns made from natural and commercial dyes. Youngwarriors were allowed to use black, grey and white, while red dye was reserved for moreexperienced warriors.This shield is an authentic example, not made for tourists and likely of the late 19th to early 20thcenturies. The black and red pigment is now slightly lost in places while the shield has warpedover time. It retains its carrying handle on the underside and is otherwise in good condition withno losses to the hide.Provenance – Schmiedt Collection.Total size : 38" x 29 1/2"Comparable auction sale:https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24946/lot/83/https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24946/lot/81/References:1. Stone, G. C. (1934). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms andArmor in All Countries and in All Times. Mineola NY: Dover Publications.2. Spring, Christopher (1993). African arms and armour. British Museum Press.3. Paschke, D. and Zirngibl, M. (1992) Afrikanische Schilde / African Shields. PanterraPress.4. Benitez-Johannot, P. and Barbier, J-P (2000) Shields: Africa, Southeast Asia andOceania, Prestel.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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