Luo shield, Kenya - Lot 56

Luo shield, Kenya Wood, skin, pigments Native restorations, plant fibers, a trace of moisture on the surface The only example of this size referenced worldwide Height: 152.5 cm - Width: 90 cm ---- Luo Shield, Kenya Wood, skin, pigments Native restorations, vegetable fibers, a trace of moisture on the surface Unique world-wide referenced copy of this size Height: 152.5 cm - Width: 90 cm Luo shields, symbols deeply rooted in the imagination of the African warrior, are called ishilunga. Made of cowhide or zebra skin, they are stiffened by a frame with a wooden handle sewn to the inside. Luo warrior practices are a benchmark, notably because of the organization of the army into regiments divided by age group. Each regiment had its own headdress and shield. This example would have belonged to a younger, less experienced warrior, who had all-black shields, while married warriors had brown shields. After the fall of the Zulu empire in 1879, shields took on a more symbolic role, notably during nomkubulwana ceremonies for the Goddess of Rain, Nature and Fertility. This is a very fine example, whose undulating design, enhanced by natural white pigments, brings out the substance of each of its constituent elements. An exceptional example of a true work on matter and texture. --- The Luo shields, symbols strongly anchored in the imaginary of the African warrior, are called ishilunga. Made of cow skin, or zebra, they are stiffened by a member composed of a wooden handle sewn to the inner side. The war practices of the Luo are a reference, especially because of the organization of the army managed in regiments by age groups. Each regiment had its own particular hairstyle and shield. This copy would have belonged to a younger and less experienced warrior, the latter had shields entirely black, while the married warriors had shields of brown color. When the Zulu empire fell in 1879, shields played a more symbolic role, especially during the nomkubulwana ceremonies of the Goddess of rain, nature and fertility. Very beautiful example whose wavy drawings enhanced with natural white pigments to reflect the material of each component. Thick, crusty surface, fine white pigment residues. Large native restoration sewn on the left side of the shield. Moisture stains, probably from rain, all over the surface. Missing edge on left median part. Condition of use and age. --- Crusty surface, thick, beautiful white pigment residue. Great native restoration sewn on the left side of the shield. Moisture stains, probably from rain, on the entire surface. Missing on the left-middle side at the edge. State of use and seniority.