AFRICAN WEAPONS & SHIELDS and COLLECTOR'S CORNER FETISHES

African Weapons

African weapons were collected from the mid 19th to the beginning of the 20th century by early explorers, missionaries, ethnographers, military men and gentlemen travelers. Iron metals along with copper and brass were forged by blacksmiths using hammer and anvil to make well crafted and highly ornamented weapons. Throwing knives, axes and blades were very effective during warfare. These weapons were also used as tools for plantation work, clearing roads and building houses. Extravagantly decorated weapons were primarily worn to show status, power and prestige, belonging to kings and high ranking officials. Iron and brass weapons were appreciated as signs of wealth and were used for trade as currency. Original African weapons are in museum collections throughout the world and have become extremely collectable, considered true works of art.

African Shields

African shields not only served for their defensive purpose during warfare but also carried symbolic meaning for spirituality, prestige and power. Shields are testimonials to political and religious alliance. Surface decorations and symbols were tangible signs of social and political affiliation, personal bravery and economic commodities as units exchanged in market transactions. African shields are of great aesthetic merit that have attracted the interest of fine art collectors for decades.

Collector's Corner

Connoisseurs and collectors will appreciate this special selection of unusual objects. Keep watching as we add miniatures, figures and headdresses from Fiedler's personal collection.