Archer's Wrist Guards - Igitembe - Tutsi - Rwanda (No reserve price)

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€ 40
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Dimitri André
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Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Archer's Wrist Guards from Rwanda, Tutsi Igitembe, mid‑20th century, wooden guards with copper studs, two items with stands, height 25 cm, width 25 cm, depth 9.4 cm, total weight 2705 g incl. stands, in good condition.

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Description from the seller

Two authentic Igitembe or Tutsi Archer's Wrist Guards
Rwanda / Burundi - Mid 20th century

This Tutsi archer’s wrist guard, or igitembe, would have been worn to protect an archer’s arm from the recoil of the bowstring. This style of large, wooden guard is particularly rare. Most guards even from the Tutsi were fashioned from grass and closely resembled a bracer. This indicates that the archery rings were an aesthetic preference rather than a functional one, intended to be used by elite warriors and chiefs. The copper used as studs also lends itself to this theory as it would have been imported from Katanga in Zaire and been a relatively expensive medium.


Height = 25 cm
Width = 25 cm
Thickness = 8.4 and 9.4 cm
Combined Weight (incl. stands) = 2705 g

In good condition. Normal traces of age and use.
For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully.


Insured shipping.
Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.

Two authentic Igitembe or Tutsi Archer's Wrist Guards
Rwanda / Burundi - Mid 20th century

This Tutsi archer’s wrist guard, or igitembe, would have been worn to protect an archer’s arm from the recoil of the bowstring. This style of large, wooden guard is particularly rare. Most guards even from the Tutsi were fashioned from grass and closely resembled a bracer. This indicates that the archery rings were an aesthetic preference rather than a functional one, intended to be used by elite warriors and chiefs. The copper used as studs also lends itself to this theory as it would have been imported from Katanga in Zaire and been a relatively expensive medium.


Height = 25 cm
Width = 25 cm
Thickness = 8.4 and 9.4 cm
Combined Weight (incl. stands) = 2705 g

In good condition. Normal traces of age and use.
For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully.


Insured shipping.
Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.

Details

Indigenous object name
Igitembe
No. of items
2
Ethnic group/ culture
Tutsi
Country of Origin
Rwanda
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Copper, Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Archer's Wrist Guards
Height
25 cm
Width
25 cm
Depth
9.4 cm
Weight
330 g
BelgiumVerified
1858
Objects sold
100%
protop

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