African Shields The Mafa (Matakam) are, with more than 100,000 individuals, the largest ethnic group in the Mandara mountains of Cameroon. They live mainly along the northern inner slopes, where they cultivate their terraced fields, mainly with Guinea corn. Water is an essential good for the Mafa. This is reflected in their conception of the world, the spirit world as well as in the world of traditional political power. Water has a very strong spiritual dimension which reflects its crucial economic importance. The water spirits are perceived as a source of fertility and wealth but also of danger, magic and psychological pitfalls. Water, like rain is considered as a cultural rather than a natural good, personified by the political importance of the rain priest. Also the spiritual quality of water is very significant, God remaining always the central point of all ritual actions dealing with water. The shield on display has been determined to be at least 70 years of age. The main body is constructed from buffalo hide and the center grip from a very strong braided fiber. The shield has natural signs of wear from use and age but is in overall fine condition. This selection is an excellent find for the collector and a fine decorative accent. Please click photo for enlargement! See additional photos below. Sold. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 30 inches long x 20 inches across. Wt: 7 lbs. |
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| Please click photo for enlargement! The fiber in the middle is the hand grip. |
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| Please click photo for enlargement! The two fiber sections in the middle are the hand grip attachments. |
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| Please click photo for enlargement! |
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