Defense was a crucial part of traditional life, which is why warriors were held in very high esteem. For many communities, armor comprised of weaponry and protective gear, with shields being the best known of the latter.
Shields were important items that could save a warrior’s life. As such, they had to be tough enough to deflect weapons or even an animal attack when hunting. While they were mainly used on the battlefield, they were also used in rites of passage, and as symbols of prestige and identification. As such, these artefacts embodied a balance between functional tools and artistic crafts.
An Oromo shield was often made from the hide of a hippopotamus or a rhino that often gave the shield a dark glossy finish. It set on a round frame and had decorative bumps as well as ribbed lines that were worked into the hide while it was still soft. At a man’s funeral his shield and spear were carried by a male relative or displayed in his memory.
A Turkana shield deviated from the typical shape by being narrow and rectangular. It was made from cured giraffe or buffalo hide that was held in place by wooden shafts. The handle was crafted from hide as well and held in place by a central vertical beam that was often had ostrich feathers either at the top or bottom.
A Luo shield was similarly shaped but made of cow hide that was sealed with honey and wax. It could be distinguished by the linear designs painted on the face. These shields were also used in a ritual ceremony called tero buru that took place after the burial of an elder.
The Maasai shield is one of the best-known symbols and is synonymous with the Kenyan identity. It is convex and elliptical and is made of buffalo hide that is decorated with vegetable dyes and sewn onto a wooden frame. The handle is attached at the center back of the shield and wrapped with leather strips.