230732 - African Masai shield with decoration - Tanzania
African Masai shield with decoration - Tanzania
Diameter: 53 cm long and 39 cm wide.
Pastoralist Maasai from the grasslands of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania used such shields in warfare, hunting, and rites of passage.
A buffalo hide sewn onto a wooden frame is the convex elliptical canvas onto which an artist traced rich polychrome geometric patterns: two large crescents symmetrically positioned on either side of a central vertical band composed of alternating triangles. The motifs identified the owner's position within a complex lineage system.
Called sirata, many of these symbolic motifs have fallen into disuse and are poorly understood by contemporary Maasai. Several elements relate this shield to a proven warrior herder.
This prestigious sign is conferred only with the permission of a high-ranking chief.