TOKPOKE . (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICA)...

Description

TOKPOKE
(DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICA)

In many cultures worldwide, shields and weapons are more than warrior's equipment. They are embellishments of a man's personal appearance, an indicator of status, and possibly gift objects.

This handsome piece is a wooden shield type limited to a few ethnic groups in the northern Congo basin. They often bear painted geometric designs, in this example the patterns are defined alternatively by an arrangement of metal tacks.

Some of the metal staples inserted into the wood as stabilizers have been lost. In the past, there has been widespread conflict among the militarized villagers, and there is considerable evidence of actual use of this shield, but the overall condition is good.

Height: 47 ¼ inches

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