This is fabulous genuine African shield dates to the late 19th century / early 20th century.
This is a rectangular Warrior Shield from the Turkana Lake area of Kenya, Africa.
This very rare Africa shield is covered with a thick leather - please ask for more details on this.
This one is in just excellent condition and is of museum quality.
Traditionally, the Turkana used long & narrow rectangular shields made from animal hide.
Later, the leather shields were replaced with lighter metal shields that offered better protection in combat.
The Kenyan game and hunting authorities have introduced strict fines and imprisonment for the illegal killing of animals. This, along with the ban on inter-clan warfare, has virtually stopped the making of these type of shields in the area - making this shield very collectable.
My shield is in original touched condition - with an excellent patina of age. It even has a little tail at the top
The handle of on the back is made of wood and held on with plaited hide and is highly decorative.
Dimensions: Length of the leather section of the shield is 29 inches (74 cm). Length of the wooden handle is 34 inches (87.5 cm) and the width at the widest point is 13 1/2 inches (34 cm)
As mentioned, these antique shields are now hard to source and my asking price for this fine example is certainly a fair one.
Please see my other Ugandan shield which is also for sale in my Iconic Edinburgh online store.
MORE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THESE ITEMS ARE OF COURSE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Postage quoted in the UK is for Special Next Day Delivery with the Royal Mail.
This would be probably for UK posting only - and would only be for addresses in the UK.