East African Turtle Parrying Shield with Spear

A most unusual ‘Shield’ from Eastern Africa possibly Southern Sudanese or Tanzanian, used as a parrying stick or weapon, the back or grip as a spear which is attached to the reverse of the turtle shell with leather lacing. Beautiful and rare artefact, the turtle shell has been painted in colours red and white to contrast with the black of the turtle shell. The spear shaft nicely patinated and of facetted rather than simple round cross-section, the spear blade rusted and with a small barbed section below the head, bound with hide and wire. The butt end unusally shaped and with some inlaid beads to one side. Wonderful display piece and in good condition. Circa 1900