A Fine ‘Tanala’ Shield ‘Ampinga’ Covered with a finely marked ‘Hide’ Zebra ‘Equus quagga’
A Fine ‘Tanala’ Shield ‘Ampinga’
Covered with a finely marked ‘Hide’ Zebra ‘Equus quagga’
Areas of wear through use and fine patina to reverse
Madagascar
Late 19th Century
SIZE: 47cm high, 41.5cm wide - 18½ ins high, 16⅓ ins wide
Covered with a finely marked ‘Hide’ Zebra ‘Equus quagga’
Areas of wear through use and fine patina to reverse
Madagascar
Late 19th Century
SIZE: 47cm high, 41.5cm wide - 18½ ins high, 16⅓ ins wide
A Fine ‘Tanala’ Shield ‘Ampinga’
Covered with a finely marked ‘Hide’ Zebra ‘Equus quagga’
Areas of wear through use and fine patina to reverse
Madagascar
Late 19th Century
SIZE: 47cm high, 41.5cm wide - 18½ ins high, 16⅓ ins wide
Covered with a finely marked ‘Hide’ Zebra ‘Equus quagga’
Areas of wear through use and fine patina to reverse
Madagascar
Late 19th Century
SIZE: 47cm high, 41.5cm wide - 18½ ins high, 16⅓ ins wide
Dating from before the colonisation of the island by the French in 1897 this shield was used for parrying spears and was made by the Tanala people. They are a unique group who inhabit the forested inland region of south east Madagascar. Their name means ‘people of the forest’ and they are skilled woodsmen, food gatherers and hunters, trading in honey, beeswax and other forest products. They also grow rice as part of a slash and burn agricultural practice.
They can trace their origins to a noble ancestor named Ralambo who is believed to be of Arab descent. Historically they were famous for being great warriors having led a successful conquest of the neighbouring Antemoro people in the 18th century. They have a talent for divination and practise astrology which was brought to the island by the Arabs. Observing patrilineal descent the Tanala lived in large compounds consisting of a father, his sons or group of brothers. Tanala society was divided into nobles, free people and slaves and although the nobles ruled they were always assisted by an advisor who was a commoner. The king was accountable to his people who had the power to remove him from his position of leadership.
They can trace their origins to a noble ancestor named Ralambo who is believed to be of Arab descent. Historically they were famous for being great warriors having led a successful conquest of the neighbouring Antemoro people in the 18th century. They have a talent for divination and practise astrology which was brought to the island by the Arabs. Observing patrilineal descent the Tanala lived in large compounds consisting of a father, his sons or group of brothers. Tanala society was divided into nobles, free people and slaves and although the nobles ruled they were always assisted by an advisor who was a commoner. The king was accountable to his people who had the power to remove him from his position of leadership.
Ex Keith Gormley, England
Ex Edric Van Vredenburgh collection
cf: Joseph Mueller Collection, Geneva, inventory no. BMG1030 - 17 and Finch and Co no. 71, catalogue 31, 2018, for another example
Ex Edric Van Vredenburgh collection
cf: Joseph Mueller Collection, Geneva, inventory no. BMG1030 - 17 and Finch and Co no. 71, catalogue 31, 2018, for another example
A Fine ‘Tanala’ Shield ‘Ampinga’ Covered with a finely marked ‘Hide’ Zebra ‘Equus quagga’
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