Shield African Masai Male Hide Warrior Kenya Handmade Painted Hide Rites of Passage Shield

This is a wonderful Old Masai Cattle Hide Shield from Kenya. The Masai shield is made of cattle hide stretched over and sewn on to a wooden frame with leather strips. It has a handle attached across the center at the back which is often covered with leather. This shield is uniquely decorated with patterns made from natural and commercial dyes. The colors for the natural dyes were made from local materials: red by mixing earth with blood and fruit sap, white from local clay's, and black from the skins of burnt gourds. Young warriors were allowed to use black, grey and white, while red dye was reserved for more experienced warriors. he shield is not only a weapon but also a way of expressing Masai art and culture. Shields remain one of the Masai warrior's most important tools. They were used in warfare and hunting as well as practice and training. Shields were used in rites of passage and also functioned as prestige objects and symbols of identification. This a wonderful Old Masai Shield a very important part of the history and culture of the Masai Male Warrior. This wonderful Masai Shield would be great addition to your collection or home.

This Masai shield shows age, has tears in the hide and some discoloration, but is in good condition.

Shield

23" tall

17" wide

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