Historically used as a defensive weapon in wartime and displayed as a decorative symbol of status and wealth by the Tikar tribe 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 string in a circular pattern around a dimensional cluster of natural cowrie shells in the centre. These decorative shields are one-of-a-kind, collaboratively crafted by a large group of tribespeople to make each piece truely unique and communal. Features thousands of small golden/silver beads and a white beaded inner ring with a central cluster of Cowrie Shells encircled with rope. This is a piece that can be hung on a wall or on the stand. Size:- 55cm Diameter