Assegai
19th century A.D.
Metal alloy and wood
Sudan
Spears such as this one, with a relatively short shaft and a developed tip with decorative jet motifs, have a very ancient origin and their use is still attested in Africa, particularly in parts of Sudan. Originating as a hunting tool, they were also used as a fighting weapon and as a parade weapon for ceremonial dances.
Nubian skirt
19th century A.D.
Leather, glass, cowrie shells
Birbe
As he recounts in his diary Journey of Upper Egypt and Nubia, in early February 1829 Acerbi joined Champollion and Rosellini in Nubia, just south of Aswan, and on that occasion bought this skirt, habitually worn by ‘naked maidens’.
Circular shield with conical umbo
19th century B.C.
elephant skin, black colour and metal alloy
Aswan
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