Vintage Maasai Painted Hide Shield Kenya Tanzania Tribal Art 33x23 For Sale

Vintage Maasai painted hide shield from East Africa, likely Kenya or Tanzania.

Large oval shield measuring approximately33" high x 23" wide, constructed from hide stretched over a wooden framework with extensive hide/rawhide perimeter lacing. The reverse retains its substantial central wooden support/handle, secured with traditional bindings.

The front is decorated in red, black, and ochre geometric designs characteristic of Maasai shield decoration. The surface shows extensive age and use, with considerable fading and pigment loss that gives the piece an especially strong ethnographic appearance.

The construction, materials, proportions, and wear are consistent with traditional Maasai shields. This appears to be an older example, probably early to mid-20th century, although exact age and provenance are unknown.

A substantial and visually striking example suitable for an African art, ethnographic, tribal art, or arms-and-armor collection.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.