Mid-20th Century Bwa or Bobo Tribal Wooden Shield, Burkina Faso

A hand-carved and pigment-painted tribal shield from the Bwa or Bobo peoples of Burkina Faso, West Africa. Crafted from a single piece of wood and decorated in traditional red ochre, white kaolin, and black charcoal pigment, the design features the bold geometric motifs associated with spiritual protection and ancestral symbolism in Bwa culture.

These shields were originally used in ceremonial performances and initiation rituals, where the abstract forms represented nature spirits and clan identity. The carved handle on the reverse remains intact, with visible age wear and natural patina from use.

Highly collectible as an ethnographic artifact and visually striking as wall art, this piece bridges functional history and modern abstraction — making it a perfect addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors.