Cameroon Beaded Shield - L - 55cm black and white joined-description-fields Babanki etc

Babanki etc

The chosen work focuses on Andile's signature scarification style reflecting the Xhosa tradition of cutting or marking skin – hence the name "Bhaca"

Each is handwoven and one of a kind

An inside floor from fibre board wrapped in fabric strengthens the design to stand up with brass studs on the bottom

The wood used does vary but in most cases the Zulu would use the Kiaat wood that is found locally in South Africa

Cameroon Beaded Shield - L - 55cm black and white joined-description-fields Babanki etcHistorically used as a defensive weapon in wartime and displayed as a decorative symbol of status and wealth by the Tikar people in Cameroon. Meticulously crafted, carved from one solid piece of Baobab wood, a sacred wood used for medicinal and ritual purposes for centuries, this large shield boasts hundreds of hand placed beads on manila and natural cowrie shells in the centre. These decorative shields are one of a kind, collaboratively crafted by a