Bamenda Ceramic Shield, Cameroon

Black and white lines running to a point, like feathers laid in careful rows.

Woodcarvers of Bamenda, in Cameroon, Central Africa, made this shield in wood in a contemporary style. Shield forms in the Cameroon grassfields are often long and narrow, and are associated with display as well as protection. This one is a tall, narrow lozenge, wider at the middle and coming to points at the ends. Crisp bands of black and cream chevrons run out from a central diamond, and the pattern mirrors itself top to bottom. The finish is flat and clean.

About 44 inches tall and 11 wide. Strong enough to be hung alone in a hall.