Southeast Lake Victoria, Tanzania

19th/Early 20th c

23 inches high x 14 inches wide

Ex: New Mexico collection

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The Sukuma shield is saddle-shaped in an hourglass form, found in Southeast Tanzania, near Lake Victoria.  These shields are made of thick buffalo hide with side indentations, a raised boss in the center with wood handle and leather bindings.  The shields were carried by Niatura warriors used for defense and also as a symbolic ritual object.