Object Details
- Label Text
- This type of narrow wood shield is associated with the Nilotic peoples of the Sudan--particularly with the Dinka. Its main function was to deflect an opponent's blow and was effective against fighting sticks and clubs. These weapons were used more commonly to settle internal disputes rather than in external warfare.
- Description
- Wood pole shaped shield of tapering prism form, widest at the center where a hand grip is carved out.
- Provenance
- Collette Ghysels, Brussels, -- to 1997
- Denyse and Marc Ginzberg, Rye, New York, 1997
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Dinka artist
- Date
- Early to mid-20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Marc and Denyse Ginzberg
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 171.6 x 9.1 x 9.5 cm (67 9/16 x 3 9/16 x 3 3/4 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
