2 SHIELDS FOR COMMENT

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Here are 2 shields from my collection . The first I know is Ethiopian , but the second although I beleive it comes from N E Africa , I have never been able to find a similar one for comparison or confirmation ... It is leather and it has a very distinctive painted pattern and a more modern repair.

[Iain]

Second looks pretty close to a Beja shield? Although the characteristic spear cutouts aren't present...

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Second looks pretty close to a Beja shield? Although the characteristic spear cutouts aren't present...

Yes I see what you mean , but that small but significant difference plus the attractive decorative work makes me wonder if this is not something a bit more special.

[roanoa]

Domed shaped aside, based on the painted decoration and the two handles and the padding in the back, I will venture to say that it may be Indo-persian.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams ~ The Omani Terrs has its origins in this form and hide from various creatures was sought for its construction in the regional Hub of Zanzibar viz; Hippo, Rhino, Water Buffalo and possibly Whale. The shape and size looks identical however can you post the sizes please?

I agree with Iain about the beautiful design to the lower item with crosses and clusters of archways in the religious style common to the region. Crosses have many concepts and candle light is one ... though it is also a geometric structure as is the dot at the centre of the arch clusters meaning universal centre...

However, I'm not wishing to read to much into the artistic style rather to compare the shield with the Buckler of Oman and to point to its very African form. :shrug:

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[thinreadline]

Domed shaped aside, based on the painted decoration and the two handles and the padding in the back, I will venture to say that it may be Indo-persian.

That is an interesting suggestion... I am attaching a pic of an Indo Persian wooden quiver from my collection ... the colours and floral decoration are similar though not the same.

[thinreadline]

Salaams ~ The Omani Terrs has its origins in this form and hide from various creatures was sought for its construction in the regional Hub of Zanzibar viz; Hippo, Rhino, Water Buffalo and possibly Whale. The shape and size looks identical however can you post the sizes please?

I agree with Iain about the beautiful design to the lower item with crosses and clusters of archways in the religious style common to the region. Crosses have many concepts and candle light is one ... though it is also a geometric structure as is the dot at the centre of the arch clusters meaning universal centre...

However, I'm not wishing to read to much into the artistic style rather to compare the shield with the Buckler of Oman and to point to its very African form. :shrug:


Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.


Salaams Ibrahiim
As always your answers are enlightening and appreciated , you have of course pointed out my fooloish omission... the size. The painted patterned shield is 45 cm in diameter .
Thank you
Richmond

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams Ibrahiim
As always your answers are enlightening and appreciated , you have of course pointed out my fooloish omission... the size. The painted patterned shield is 45 cm in diameter .
Thank you
Richmond


Salaams Richmond~ Having had another look...Ok I agree with the suggestion of Indo Persian because of the size and decoration which on second thoughts are not African. The split floral decoration could easily be Indo Persian as are the { arch ways. The tight geometric crosses also point to that part of the world. I think the fresh colours are another indicator in similar style broadly to your other examples. :shrug:

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[thinreadline]

Salaams Richmond~ Having had another look...Ok I agree with the suggestion of Indo Persian because of the size and decoration which on second thoughts are not African. The split floral decoration could easily be Indo Persian as are the { arch ways. The tight geometric crosses also point to that part of the world. I think the fresh colours are another indicator in similar style broadly to your other examples. :shrug:

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Salaams Ibrahiim - thank you for that confirmation , the concensus is certainly towards Indo Persian .. which gives me a problem ... my Indo Persian wall is now very full and can I find a space for this shield without major reorganisation ? But this is a pleasurable problem !
Richmond

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams Ibrahiim - thank you for that confirmation , the concensus is certainly towards Indo Persian .. which gives me a problem ... my Indo Persian wall is now very full and can I find a space for this shield without major reorganisation ? But this is a pleasurable problem !
Richmond


Salaams ~ I believe that is why we have ceilings ... to take the overload off the walls for all our gear !!! :D
Ibrahiim

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Salaams ~ I believe that is why we have ceilings ... to take the overload off the walls for all our gear !!! :D
Ibrahiim

Salaams Ibrahiim
You are right .. though my good friend in the south of England has now reached the stage of having to hang his new acquisitions from the ceiling !
Richmond