Additional information
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Somba Shield
Made with woven fibers and hide, this Somba shield (diameter 13 in.) was used in rituals and ceremonies rather than for combat. Shields, such as this one, are typically used in ritual whipping competitions among men of the same age. The conical shape with an extended tip on the front is the most prominent feature of the shield; this extension is sometimes described as phallic. The body of this shield is mostly flat with a large ‘X’ woven onto its face. On two opposite sections of the ‘X’ are two registers of parallel stitches, which attach the hide handle on the back. This multi-faceted shield is effortlessly dignified and well-maintained.
