Description:

East Africa, Kenya, Maasai people, early 20th century CE. An elliptical hide shield constructed from buffalo hide stretched over a wooden frame, with a central vertical wooden grip lashed tightly to the verso and reinforced with leather cords. The recto is painted in Maasai pigments - white, red, and black - featuring a stark visual division between a broad red field and a sequence of radiating, zigzag-edged black and ochre bands over a white ground. Down the center runs a vertical motif of diamonds. These motifs are symbolic of age-grade, warrior status, and clan identity within the Maasai community. Known as sirata, such shields served not only in battle and hunting but also in ceremonial roles, embodying protection, identity, and prestige. Size: 23"W x 40"H.

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T Coe personal collection; purchased from the Taylor Dale gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico in March 2005

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

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#195896

  • Condition: Small hole through hide. Fading and losses to pigments. Sturdy and overall great condition.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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