Woven Basketry Shield Gbilija
Western Zande / Sultanate of Djabbir, D.R. Congo
Wood, rattan, pigment
Late 19th / early 20th century

The Zande use three types of shields - they all have the generic name Vura, but each type also has its own name. Though their forms share the same characteristics, they are easily recognizable from one another. The first type, called Gbilija (seen here), is the largest and has a dark background with minimal decoration. The second type is called Kube, and is smaller with much more elaborate decoration. The third type is called Kpawangbwada, and has dimensions similar to the Kube, but a much more basic design.

Gbilija shields were reserved for high dignitaries. They are black and have a minimal design, usually rather sober, in the center (Baur & Elsen, Guba: Wicker Shields from the Congo Basin, 2002).

49 in :: 124 cm

InventoryID #13-1926

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