Beaded African Shield

Historically used as a defensive weapon in wartime and displayed as a decorative symbol of status and wealth by the Tikar tribe in Cameroon. Meticulously crafted, carved from one solid piece of Baobab wood, a sacred wood used for medicinal and ritual purposes for centuries, this large shield boasts hundreds of hand-placed beads on manila string in a circular pattern around a dimensional cluster of natural cowrie shells in the center. The edge is framed in a row of cowrie shells, as well, creating a bold silhouette.  The decorative dimensional cluster of natural cowrie shells in the center. The edge is framed in a row of cowrie shells, as well, creating a bold silhouette. This decorative shield is one-of-a-kind, collaboratively crafted by a large group of tribes people to make each piece truly unique and communal.