Tanala shield, Madagascar 19th century Wood,... Lot 12

Tanala shield, Madagascar 19th century Wood, leather Paper label reading "9 . .1 . . H. . B . . Ichen (Munchen ?) . . A. Schaffenburg" . H. 51 cm - W. 42 cm Provenance : Purchased by Oriental Arms Gallery (inv. 8157), Haifa, Israel (Artzi Yarom) in 2005 from an English dealer (3400). Rare ampinga shield with two hollowed oval cavities on the inside separated by a central handle. The circular outer face is covered with taut skin and hair. The Tanala people, whose name means "people of the forest", are a small group living in the forest region of south-east Madagascar. They are skilled woodcutters and gatherers, producing and trading honey, beeswax and other forest products. They also grow rice as part of a slash-and-burn agricultural practice. They are said to have descended from a noble ancestor, Ralambo, of Arab origin. Historically, they were known as great warriors who led the conquest of the neighboring Antemoro people in the 18th century.