Topoke Shield, D.R.C

The Topoke People, also known as Eso or Tofoke reside mainly in Northeast DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), South to the Congo river. The Topoke  warriors carry a large wooden shield with typical diagonal bent in the middle. The wood base is braided with rattan strip and reinforced on the back with heavy bamboo strips, also densely plaited with rattan strips.

The shield offered here is a  typical Topoke shield. Painted black and lacquered. 34 inches (86 cm) long and 14 inches (33 cm) wide. Very good condition. The carrying grip is missing. Age crack on the main wood base (but holds solid). Authentic and rare shield, first quarter of the 20C.

For a similar shield see: africanarms website (/africanarms.com/gallery?topoke-69-x-27-5-cm-gr)