Updated March 24, 2023
Madhi War Shield
Here is a lovely find, a buffalo hide shield – likely dating to the late 19th century. It is the style used by the Madhi forces of Central Africa, and was likely a bring-back from the British campaign in the 1890s. It is excellent shape and ready to display.
Price: SOLD
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Maasai Shield Early to Mid-20th Century
This is an interesting piece, likely a mid-20th century “tourist trade” item from Central Africa. It is in the style of early shields from the Maasi tribe. This one is a bit different, and likely was never an actual “war” piece. However, it displays well and is priced according – it will make a perfect wall hanger in the ethnographic room!
Price: $180 plus shipping
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Bontoc War Shield From the Philippines
The Philippines were home to several warrior tribes of the Igorot people and this included the Bontoc, who inhabited the rugged terrain of the Cordillera Region of the Northern Philippines. The Bontoc were also one of the six ethno-linguistic tribes, and lived on the banks of the Chico River int he Central Mountain Province on the island of Luzon. They had practiced head-hunting and were known for their distinctive body tattoos.
Here is a shield that likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century that was used by the Bontoc tribe. It was carved from a single piece of wood, bound with thick woven cane, shaped curvature to protect the body from spears, arrows and head axes. The wood on this shield is thickest at the center point, and it features a grip with a deep recess for the hand. The cut out V-shape to the bottom of the shield was so that an enemy’s head could be held to the ground!
This shield is in excellent condition with a nice patina. The wood has significant worm holes, but that is common for wood of this age. The shield measures 34-inches by 11-inches and would be a great addition to an ethnographic collection! It is ready to be hung on the wall.
Price: $525 plus shipping Sale: $400 plus shipping
(Click images below for closer view)