Featured in this lot is this South African Zulu Tribal cowhide shield, c. 1940; this is a traditional ceremonial shield used for weddings and funerals. The shield shows a cowhide construction with strips of cowhide slotted into the center of the shield, a double sided tear drop design, a ceremonial spear with a soft sheep wool tip, and a leather wrapped handle on the back. Zulu shields were originally used in battle. However, in our modern times, they are mainly used for traditional Zulu ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals. Zulu shields were mainly used for protection. The Zulu war-shield could be tall enough to cover the owner’s body and it is in an oval shape that can withstand any spear from penetrating it. The condition of this shield is good, with a minor repair to the traditional ceremonial spear. The measurements of this cowhide shield display 69" x 22" x 4".