Cameroon Shield Oblong (05)

Cameroon — hand-carved Bamileke shield

Carved from a single piece of wood in an elongated oblong form, the surface cut with the bold geometric patterning historically used by Bamileke carvers — designs once said to dazzle and disorient an opponent in battle. Originally part of tribal weaponry, shields like this carried real social and spiritual weight, marking status as much as defending against attack.

As each is hand-carved, size and pattern vary slightly piece to piece, mounted on a wooden stand.

Origin: Cameroon · Size: approx. 77cm H × 29cm W