Sukuma shield, Tanzania Leather, wood Late... - Lot 62 - De Baecque et Associés

Lot 62
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1000 - 1500 EUR
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Result : 800EUR
Sukuma shield, Tanzania Leather, wood Late... - Lot 62 - De Baecque et Associés
Sukuma shield, Tanzania Leather, wood Late 19th century H. 73 cm Provenance: Collected in Tanzania outside the town of Singida near the village of Nyaturu in 1997 by James Stephenson(New-York) Acquired from him by the current owner, French private collection Sukuma society was organized into chiefdoms, whose power was transmitted hereditarily. The chief, called ntemi, inherited royal emblems that established his power and prestige, such as the lung'uda, a shield similar to the gula (like the one shown here), but smaller. The shield, a sign of power, received special care before being exposed to public view, it was cleaned and polished, which explains its intense shine. This shield has a central umbo and is divided into four parts by two horizontal and vertical median edges, in relief, forming a cross. The irregular surface of the leather gives the sensation that it has been hammered, allowing the beautiful dark, shiny patina to obtain subtle reflections.
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