Very Rare African Kenyan Tribal TURKANA Leather Shield.

genuine African shield dates to the late 19th century / early 20th century.

This is a rectangular Warrior Shield from the Turkana Lake area of Kenya, Africa.

This very rare Africa shield is covered with a thick leather 

This one is in just excellent condition and is of museum quality.

Traditionally, the Turkana used long and narrow rectangular shields made from animal hide.

the leather shields were replaced with lighter metal shields that offered better protection in combat.

The Kenyan game and hunting authorities have introduced strict fines and imprisonment for the illegal killing of animals. This, along with the ban on inter-clan warfare, has virtually stopped the making of these type of shields in the area - making this shield very collectable.

Dimensions: Length of the leather section of the shield is 29 inches (74 cm). Length of the wooden handle is 34 inches (87.5 cm) and the width at the widest point is 13 1/2 inches (34 cm)