African shield for comment.

[russel]

Hello all,

Today I acquired this African shield at a local auction, listed simply as West African. It measures 35x16 inches. I haven't weighed it, but it is quite heave and sturdy, the leather is about 7mm thick around the edges. I know next to nothing about African shields, but this one took my fancy. Perhaps in no small part because stuff like this almost NEVER comes up in my end of town! So, what did I get?

As usual, all comments gratefully received,

Russel

p.s. Thanks to those who answered my earlier post asking for information sources. This is the shield that prompted the request.

[laEspadaAncha]

Hi Russel,

As mentioned off-site, I believe this to come from the general region ranging from the southern Sudan to Tanzania, though this is based solely on the similarities to shields attributed to various tribes within that (rather large) region, with regards to the waisted shape and the use of a hide that appears to be the same as used by varius tribes in East Africa (Hippo? Rhino?). :shrug:

I'll be looking foward to hearing what Iain and some of our more learned African specialists have to say. :)

Cheers,
Chris

[Iain]

Hi Russel,

As mentioned off-site, I believe this to come from the general region ranging from the southern Sudan to Tanzania, though this is based solely on the similarities to shields attributed to various tribes within that (rather large) region, with regards to the waisted shape and the use of a hide that appears to be the same as used by varius tribes in East Africa (Hippo? Rhino?). :shrug:

I'll be looking foward to hearing what Iain and some of our more learned African specialists have to say. :)

Cheers,
Chris

I don't do shields usually. :D And sadly my knowledge is low. Still I'd generally agree this looks east side of Africa. Reminds me a bit of this style from Southern Sudan. http://southernsudan.prm.ox.ac.uk/details/1944.10.16/

[Martin Lubojacky]

This type used to be assigned to tribes from south western part o Ethiopia. I am not sure which one is correct (or who is right),in any case you could find them in antique shops in Addis Ababa.
regards,
Martin