THE MYSTERY OF LUO SHIELDS.

BrianNyamanga, Director@LOKOHALAcreativeEnterprise.

This aerodynamic design meant that they could attack with speed unlike other tribal shields that were flat in design These shields were made from various hides like hippopotamus skin or buffalo skin which made them impenetrable. The most iconic and noticeable features of all Luo shields were the symbolism and the art on their front cover. Each shield somehow did bear an engraved and painted geometric pattern print that made it unique to its owner.

Careful observation would also reveal that the shield's design made it possible for the warriors to carry them on bulls' backs, thus easy transportation of the warrior to the battlefield. It still remains a mystery what the symbols on the Luo shields mean and that area of study is a black hole since there seems nobody alive today to explain this genius masterpiece war device, This is evident in the fact that in a recent funeral attended by the Luo political leader Raila Amollo Odinga and other Luo spiritual leaders, there were seen elders carrying shields that were definitely not from the Luo tribe but from the Maasai people, this fall from grace and glory is the reason why the question of the true Luo identity needs to be answered rather than ignored.

If you have any information about these Luo shields kindly get in touch or simply start a conversation about them on the Tembea Kisumu page on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and let's share knowledge about it.