Western/Central Africa, Cameroon or Chad, Mandara/Wandala (sometimes Kirdi), ca. early 20th century CE. A massive shield, made of iron overlaid with water buffalo horn and painted with a dark red cross across its surface. Iron plates protected the top and bottom, of which some remain. The back features a thick, curved wooden handle. The shield is in the characteristic bell shape of all shields from this culture; the iron represents a technological innovation upon earlier ones, which were entirely made of stiffened hide. Size: 25" W x 35.5" H (63.5 cm x 90.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-Leo Hakola collection, La Barge, Wyoming, USA

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#152029

Wear on surface commensurate with age, including great patina and deposits. Some of the iron plates from the lower end are lost, and there is wear to the hide, especially at the center.