Shield of the Katu Highland Tribes, Vietnam / Laos

The Katu tribe people live on either side of the border with South Laos and Vietnam. They are usually considered as part of the Montagnard people. The Katu people hold ceremonies with buffalo sacrifices, where the cult priest carries a ceremonial shield for the dancing ceremony accompanying the slaghutering. The shields are made of light wood, with a concave face, black lacquered and decorated with silver strips radiated from a central “Sun” image and a double handle at the back.

The shield exhibited here is black lacquered and decorated with silver strips. Original braided leather handle. 22 inches diameter. Very good condition. Old crack hardly seen and holds very solid. Minor wood chips. Very rare shield.