It would seem in Africa that shields functioned as face protection, as well as protection for the rest of the body. For example the round shields to be found from the Beja tribes of Eastern Sudan, have small indentations at the rim, I think for looking through. I have also seen large 19th century Zulu shields with holes made near to the rim, probably also for looking through when holding the shield up in combat.
I don't know of any exclusive face protection used in Africa, but would be interested in comments from other forumites.
Regards
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