Topoke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: an old ‘Knick shield’.
A typical shield of the Topoke (also called Eso or Tofoke). From Norheast Congo. These Topoke shields are made of wood and are always built with a diagonal dent in the middle. The front side is covered with black-dyed leather, the sides as well as the upper and lower sections are braided with narrow rattan stripes and with diagonal stitching. The back consists of bamboo slats entirely braided with rattan. The handle is also made of rattan stripes. The present piece is additionally painted with white, red and yellow colour in double s-shaped lines, crosses and triangles. This Topoke shield displays very old usage patina and relative age damage: a hole and tears on the front, defects in the fabric (with original repairs). 19th century, early 20th century; dimensions: ca. 100 cm x 48 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Viennese private collection.
Literature: 'Afrikanische Schilde' by Plaschke and Zirngibl, ill. 82.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
24.03.2014 - 16:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,600.- to EUR 1,800.-
Topoke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: an old ‘Knick shield’.
A typical shield of the Topoke (also called Eso or Tofoke). From Norheast Congo. These Topoke shields are made of wood and are always built with a diagonal dent in the middle. The front side is covered with black-dyed leather, the sides as well as the upper and lower sections are braided with narrow rattan stripes and with diagonal stitching. The back consists of bamboo slats entirely braided with rattan. The handle is also made of rattan stripes. The present piece is additionally painted with white, red and yellow colour in double s-shaped lines, crosses and triangles. This Topoke shield displays very old usage patina and relative age damage: a hole and tears on the front, defects in the fabric (with original repairs). 19th century, early 20th century; dimensions: ca. 100 cm x 48 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Viennese private collection.
Literature: 'Afrikanische Schilde' by Plaschke and Zirngibl, ill. 82.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 24.03.2014 - 16:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 18.03. - 24.03.2014 |