Poto, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A tall woven shield, painted with triangles and 4 snakes.
The Poto, in the Northwest of the Congo, are well known for their woven works, which were also sold to neighbouring tribes. The present, old woven shield is a good example of the quality of Poto weaving. The oblong shield is very densely woven on a wooden frame and then painted. Both ends display blue triangles. The vertical stripe through the middle is bordered by 3 woven bands filled with opposed rows of red triangles on a blue background. The triangles meet one another in the middle of the shield. There are 4 black snakes with painted red eyes and contours on the adjoining surfaces, which are designed to frighten the enemy. The back of the shield bears a plank-like hilt attached by means of rattan strips, the extraordinary usage patina of which testifies to the age of this shield. No significant damage. Height: 137 cm; Width: 42 cm (centre) Late 19th century to the first third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.:
'Shields. From the Collections of the Barbier-Mueller-Museum’ by Betitez & Barbier, ill. 16, p. 66, 67; 'Afrikanische Schilde' by Plaschke & Zirngibl, ill. 107.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 600.-
Poto, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A tall woven shield, painted with triangles and 4 snakes.
The Poto, in the Northwest of the Congo, are well known for their woven works, which were also sold to neighbouring tribes. The present, old woven shield is a good example of the quality of Poto weaving. The oblong shield is very densely woven on a wooden frame and then painted. Both ends display blue triangles. The vertical stripe through the middle is bordered by 3 woven bands filled with opposed rows of red triangles on a blue background. The triangles meet one another in the middle of the shield. There are 4 black snakes with painted red eyes and contours on the adjoining surfaces, which are designed to frighten the enemy. The back of the shield bears a plank-like hilt attached by means of rattan strips, the extraordinary usage patina of which testifies to the age of this shield. No significant damage. Height: 137 cm; Width: 42 cm (centre) Late 19th century to the first third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.:
'Shields. From the Collections of the Barbier-Mueller-Museum’ by Betitez & Barbier, ill. 16, p. 66, 67; 'Afrikanische Schilde' by Plaschke & Zirngibl, ill. 107.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |