Toposa Shield — South Sudan — Hide on wood — H 87 cm — Early 20th c. — Ex Zirngibl - Sudan
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Current bid
€ 900
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,300
17 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 4140 | €900 | |
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| Bidder 4140 | €650 | |
| Bidder 4140 | €450 | |
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Toposa Shield from Sudan of the Toposa people, leather on wood, height 87 cm, early 20th century, provenance Ex Zirngibl, sold with stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Shield
Origin: Toposa people, South Sudan
Material: Leather, wood
Dimensions: Height 87 cm (91 cm with stand)
Provenance: Ex Collection Manfred Zirngibl, Passau, Allemagne
Presumed age: Early 20th century
An imposing and authentic Toposa shield, remarkable for its size, patina, and powerful presence.
The Toposa, a pastoralist people living mainly in South Sudan (also present in Ethiopia and Uganda), are historically known for cattle herding and for their involvement in the ivory trade. Their society has long been marked by low-intensity warfare, particularly cattle raids against neighboring groups.
This shield is distinctive to the Toposa. It is crafted from hard, thick leather — probably calf — and shaped into a convex rectangle with a robust central ridge. At the back, a wooden rod reinforces the structure, held in place by tightly braided leather bindings. At its midpoint, the rod curves outward to form a handle, with a leather handguard protecting the bearer’s grip.
This large and spectacular specimen, of considerable antiquity, has developed a magnificent patina. Mounted on a custom-made steel stand, it exemplifies both functional efficiency and symbolic strength — a true museum-quality piece.
Height with stand 42 cm.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Shield
Origin: Toposa people, South Sudan
Material: Leather, wood
Dimensions: Height 87 cm (91 cm with stand)
Provenance: Ex Collection Manfred Zirngibl, Passau, Allemagne
Presumed age: Early 20th century
An imposing and authentic Toposa shield, remarkable for its size, patina, and powerful presence.
The Toposa, a pastoralist people living mainly in South Sudan (also present in Ethiopia and Uganda), are historically known for cattle herding and for their involvement in the ivory trade. Their society has long been marked by low-intensity warfare, particularly cattle raids against neighboring groups.
This shield is distinctive to the Toposa. It is crafted from hard, thick leather — probably calf — and shaped into a convex rectangle with a robust central ridge. At the back, a wooden rod reinforces the structure, held in place by tightly braided leather bindings. At its midpoint, the rod curves outward to form a handle, with a leather handguard protecting the bearer’s grip.
This large and spectacular specimen, of considerable antiquity, has developed a magnificent patina. Mounted on a custom-made steel stand, it exemplifies both functional efficiency and symbolic strength — a true museum-quality piece.
Height with stand 42 cm.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Country of Origin
Sudan
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Toposa Shield — South Sudan — Hide on wood — H 87 cm — Early 20th c. — Ex Zirngibl
Sold by
