Shield – Wood – Songye – DR Congo

Large wooden shield from the Songye tribe of DR Congo, total length 97 cm. This traditional Songye shield was not only used as a defensive weapon, but also used as decorative and ritual mask and has a lot of symbolic meaning. The shield is carved from wood and has a fine relief with polychrome hues.

The Songye face is recognizable by their decorative patterns and repetition of forms.
Good condition with signs of wear and tear.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany.