Shield (1) - Folk Art Nilotic people who live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. - Kenya - 1950-1980

Traditional Maasai Shield (Sirata) – Kenya / Tanzania (Mid- to Late-20th Century)

A beautiful, authentic handmade traditional shield from the Maasai tribe of East Africa (Kenya/Tanzania). This object is considerably more valuable than a standard tourist souvenir; the traditional construction features, the hand-turned wooden central slat (olorika), and the authentic materials indicate a craftsman-made object from the mid- to late-20th century, created for ceremonial transition rites (such as the Eunoto ceremony of the morans) or for the early collectors’ market.

Dimensions and Specifications:

Dimensions: approx. 90 cm high × 65 cm wide

Weight: 1260 grams

Material: Thick buffalo- or cattle-hide (natural plant/ mineral pigments), hand-turned wooden reinforcing slat (olorika), and traditional leather/strap bindings.

Construction & Details:
The wooden handle (Olorika): The central wooden reinforcing slat runs the full length and is hand-carved. The narrow handle in the middle shows slight discoloration and wear that is fully consistent with manual handling or carrying.

Traditional plaiting method: The way the leather is wrapped around the wooden shaft with narrow strips of untreated animal hide has been created in the traditional manner.

Texture of the interior surface: The back of the hide is rough, irregular and shows the natural fibers of a hand-scraped buffalo- or cattle-hide, without mechanical processing.

Natural paint and patina: The paint has soaked locally into the hide and has a matte, slightly powdery texture with light signs of aging and dust accumulation around the leather loops on the front.

Cultural Meaning & Symbolism (Sirata):
The characteristic hand-painted geometric patterns and the arrangement of the shield are called the Sirata in Maasai culture.

Two-tone division (Red and Black): The shield is vertically divided into a red-brown half and a black half.

Red (ochre): The color of the morans (the active warrior class), symbolizing courage, strength, blood, and danger.

Black: Represents the Maasai people and the obstacles they have overcome. The sharp division indicates the age cohort or the sub-clan to which the warrior belonged.

The large circles with 'eyes' (Olorit): On either side there is a large 'eye' with a white notched edge. The white jagged triangles mimic the teeth of a predator (such as a lion). This symbolizes acuity, vigilance and the ability to see through the enemy.

The central vertical band: The white squares and triangles on the axis stand for peace, health and purity as spiritual protection. The geometric shapes also formed a unique identifying mark for the clan or region.

Condition:
In good, authentic vintage condition with a beautiful well-worn patina. It lacks the extreme, heavy field wear of 19th-century battle shields, which confirms it dates from the period when these shields were still actively produced for traditions and serious collectors. See the detailed photos for an excellent impression of the condition.

Shipping & Packaging:
This fragile and unique item is packed and insured very carefully. We use ample bubble wrap, foam and sturdy cardboard, with the box specially constructed to absorb shocks and protect the object during transport.

All lots paid after November 19 will be shipped only after December 6 due to holidays; thank you for your understanding.

P.S. The last photo has been added showing how those warriors looked in the past

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