Shield

Hide. Design in red and black partly obliterated. Longer and in proportion narrower oval than typical Masai shield, otherwise identical in construction. Stick stretcher follows end to end concavity of reverse of shield and is bent into a short reversed curve in the middle to form grip. Edges of shield pierced for lashing of sinew which holds bent cane surrounding circumference. Obverse of shield painted down longitudinal axis with a series of lozenges bordered by a rectilinear stripe; this is flanked by a long curved stripe, the convexity turned towards it. Under the grip an oval of thick hide covers the hollow corresponding to the slight prominence of the molded boss.