Tutsi Archer Bracelet, Rwanda, Early 20th Century

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Period: 20th century Style: Tribal Art Condition: Good condition Material: Solid wood Diameter: 17.5 x 21 cm

Tutsi Archer’s Bracelet … Read more Period: 20th century Style: Tribal Art Condition: Good condition Material: Solid wood Diameter: 17.5 x 21 cm

Tutsi Archer’s Bracelet (Arm Guard) Origin: Rwanda or Burundi, Great Lakes Region Ethnic Group: Tutsi Material: Carved hardwood with copper inlays Dimensions: 17.5 x 21 cm diameter, 12 cm thick Provenance: Rob Vervoort – Alain Guisson Mounted on custom metal stand

This exceptional Tutsi archer’s bracelet from the Great Lakes region of East Africa is a rare and sculpturally compelling example of traditional Tutsi craftsmanship. Worn on the forearm by skilled archers, this type of bracelet functioned both as a protective device during archery and as a status symbol, marking the wearer’s elevated rank within society. Carved from a single block of dense hardwood, the piece has acquired a deep, warm patina from age and use. Its bold, circular form is defined by a deep central opening and a vertical slit, allowing it to be securely worn while maintaining its sculptural unity. The tactile surface is finely worked with dense textural markings and features intricate radial sunburst carvings on both ends, a hallmark of high-ranking ceremonial pieces. A distinguishing feature of this bracelet is its copper inlays—square or rectangular patches meticulously embedded into the wood and surrounded by small hand-driven metal tacks. These inlays, with their soft metallic sheen and subtle oxidation, not only reinforce and stabilize the structure but also contribute a visual rhythm and contrast to the otherwise earthy materiality of the wood. The inlay work suggests both utilitarian repair and artistic intention. Further decorative detail is provided by rows of punched dot motifs, which accentuate the contours of the piece and create a sense of dynamic movement across its surface. The attention to pattern, texture, and balance attests to the sophistication of Tutsi aesthetic principles, often aligned with values of symmetry, elegance, and quiet strength. See less