Shield

ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields

Culture Maasai

Date20th Century

Made AtTanzania, Africa

MediumLeather, wood and pigment

DimensionsOverall: 35 x 26 in. (66 x 88.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Martha Ann Bryson

Object number2003.60.11

DescriptionThis is a shield made by the Maasai from Tanzania sometime in the 20th century. Maasai shields are typically made from animal hide sewed and/or stretched over a wooden frame. While mainly used for hunting and warfare, they are also utilized within rites of passage. In addition, shields are also symbols of a warrior’s identification. Shield designs (or sirata) were used to denote social sub-groups but has since fallen into disuse. The colors chosen for a shield also symbolized various meanings. For example, red was reserved for proven warriors while young warriors could only use black, white, or grey. The red coloring of this shield may indicate that its previous owner was a proven warrior. The black color is created from the burnt skins of gourds, red from mixing blood or the sap of solanum campylae with clay, and white from clays.

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