North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Western Antique Auction September 11th 2021

Sat, Sep 11, 2021 11:00AM EDT
Lot 53

Maasai Peoples Buffalo Hide Shield c. 19th-20th C

Estimate: $700 - $1,400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Featured in this lot is this Maasai Peoples buffalo hide shield, circa 19th - 20th century. This shield features a buffalo hide sewn onto the wooden frame with geometric patterns adorning the face of the shield in red and black natural polychromal dyes. Pastoralist Maasai, from the grasslands of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, used such shields in warfare, hunting, and rites of passage. A buffalo hide sewn onto a wooden frame is the convex elliptical canvas onto which an artist traced rich polychrome geometric patterns—two large crescents symmetrically positioned on either side of a central vertical band composed of alternating triangles. The motifs identified the owner's position within a complex lineage system. Called sirata, many of these symbolic motifs have fallen into disuse and are poorly understood by contemporary Maasai. Several elements relate this shield to a proven warrior herder. The red and blue dyes, traditionally obtained by mixing different types of clays and ashes, were the prerogative of accomplished individuals. The condition of this shield is good, with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this buffalo hide shield are 42" x 30" x 5".
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