Bidjogo Shield Guinea Bissau

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.  

Damage/Repair: Dirt, worn surface spots, chip on the back of the shield. Please see pictures for details.

Although not much is known about the origins of the Bidjogo, their language definitely connects them with the current occupants of the coastal mainland. It is known that at one time mainland peoples related to the Bidyogo extended far north along the coast into present day Mauritania and were gradually forced south as a result of southward Amazigh movement. The earliest written references to the Bissagos Islands and the people who live on them dates to 1456, when a Portuguese explorer (Alvise da Cadamosto) described them in his travels. Throughout the 17th century the islands were used as a port for ships intent on exporting slaves. In the late 19th century the archipelago was colonized as part part of Portuguese Guinea.

DL1122