Salaams All... Whilst ploughing through library I noted Ingrams fine work on Zanzibar and upon the subject of the Omani Terrs ... The thick Buckler shield. This was used with their old battle sword The Sayf Yamaani but with the advent of the new Busaidi dynasty (still in power today ) the old shield was chosen to accompany the new dynastic flexible dancing sword for heralding the ruler and for pageants only...in about 1744. See posts #4,5,65,68,112,103.
Ingram notes at
http://books.google.com.om/books?id=...smiths&f=false
Quote.''In former days many other industries must have been carried on, for instance Colonel Sykes (Climate and Productions of Zanzibar 1850 ) says :
“One branch of manufacture is carried to a considerable extent, that of round shields some 18 inches in diameter made from the hide of a Rhinoceros, which, after being soaked and boiled, can be moulded into any form.”Unquote.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.