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THBLate 19th C. Congolese Mongo Painted Wicker Shield
Lot 56e
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$1,500 - $2,500
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Aug 22, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-08-22 10:00:00
2025-08-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/indigenous-art---ralph-t-coe-center-santa-fe-nm-20324
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
View Full Catalog (452)
- Lot Description
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mongo people, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A finely crafted and visually commanding wicker shield from the Mongo peoples of the Congo Basin, dating to the late 19th to early 20th century. This example exemplifies the shield-making traditions of the Mongo and their subgroups, including the Saka, who inhabited the lush tropical rainforests along the Tshuapa, Lokolo, Lopori, and Matinga rivers. Fashioned from two layers of tightly woven wicker bound to a wooden frame, the shield is reinforced by the characteristic Mongo double rattan rods flanking the central midrib for added strength. The slightly peaked upper ends recall the maker's careful shaping, designed both for durability and ease of handling. A braided cane rim secures the construction, ensuring resilience against both environmental wear and impact in combat. Size: 15.8" W x 55.3" H (40.1 cm x 140.5 cm)
The front displays a harmonious arrangement of geometric motifs - rows of red and white painted triangles along the central vertical axis and diamond patterns near the ends - subtle yet intentional designs that may have held symbolic or clan significance. The reverse retains its original central wooden grip, affixed for steady maneuverability in the field
In the Congo's rainforest environment, wicker shields such as this were ideally suited for warfare and ceremonial display, their lightweight yet strong composition adapted to the dense terrain. Beyond their functional role, these shields carried cultural meaning, representing the craftsmanship of their makers and the identity of the warrior who bore them.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2010 via descent; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, purchased in January 2000; ex-James Economos Works of Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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#195892Loosening to edge binding with losses in areas. Some breaks and losses to central thin splints. A few small areas of old, inactive insect damage. Surface wear commensurate with age, but, otherwise, very nice with good pigments and light patina.Condition
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