CHOKWE SHIELDS, Angola

CHOKWE Shield 1 40", $800	CHOKWE Shield 1 40", $800	CHOKWE Shield 1 40", $800
CHOKWE Shield 2 39", $800	CHOKWE Shield 2 39", $800	CHOKWE Shield 2 39", $800

In traditional Africa, shields were used not only as defensive weapons, but also as decorative or ritual objects filled with symbolic meaning. They can be carved from wood, woven, made from a variety of hides and even metal.

These shields are carved from wood, with a woven reed edging, and are very similar in form to Songye Shields and Luba Shields.

Despite their appearance, these shields show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.