Sukuma shield, Tanzania Wood, pigments, skin H.... Lot 23

Sukuma shield, Tanzania Wood, pigments, skin H. 77 cm Provenance : Galerie Kanaga (Mangin), according to oral information from the current owner. Sukuma society was organized into chiefdoms whose power was transmitted hereditarily, and was ruled by a chief named ntemi. The latter inherited royal emblems that established his power and prestige, such as the lung'uda, a shield similar to the gula (as seen here). A true and venerable badge of power, the shield received special care before being put on public display. They were cleaned and polished, which frequently explains their intense shine. The two-lobed shape of this shield features a central umbo, divided into four parts by two subtle, light median ridges, horizontal and vertical, forming a cross. The irregular surface of the leather gives the impression of having been hammered, allowing the beautiful patina of brown, red and yellow nuances to achieve subtle reflections.