Nuer Shield with Animal Hide

This Nuer shield from South Sudan is made from animal hide and wood. Similar shields from the South Sudan were used during battle for both defensive and offensive purposes. Along the center of the burnt umber, lentoid-shaped body of this shield, are ten slits in which a long, wooden pole is threaded. The center of the midrib has been pushed outward to form a conical boss. Shallow cracks have appeared around the circumference of the boss, which is a common sign of age. Densely radiating from this central boss are small raised bumps that have been pushed out from the inside in a repousse technique. Apart from the body’s slight warping, this shield has maintained a robust and compelling aesthetic.

42″ x 16″

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