Shield

ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields

Culture Maasai

Datemid 20th Century

Made AtKenya, Africa

MediumLeather, wood and pigment

Dimensions42 × 18 1/4 × 4 in. (106.7 × 46.4 × 10.2 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2017.10.139

DescriptionThis is a shield made by the Maasai from Kenya sometime in the mid 20th century. Maasai shields area made from buffalo hide stretched over a wooden frame. The black dye is created from the burnt skins of gourds and the red is made from mixing blood or the sap of solanum campylae with clay. The designs hold great importance to the Maasai of Southern Kenya. Collectively called sirata, they denote a lineage system with has since fallen into disuse, not unlike a coat of arms. Each of these have different names and meanings—black and white stripes could symbolize a zebra, for example. Age has somewhat warped the shape of this design, but the elliptical shape still seen on the proper left side of the shield was a common design of a now unknown name. In addition to hunting and warfare, shields also played an important cultural role in Maasai society as objects used in rites of passage. The use of red pigment was reserved for proven warriors.

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