Songye Rattan Shield, Democratic Republic of Congo

A boss at the center, a dark dome, and around it, rattan. Hundreds of narrow strips laid side by side and lashed down in long vertical panels, like the ribs of a very large and very patient fish.

This is a Songye shield from the Democratic Republic of Congo, twentieth century, rattan and wood, about two feet and a bit tall. The color is a deep rosy brown, with pale stitches picking out the seams.

It was made to take a blow. It has also, quite incidentally, become handsome.

Few walls object to it.