Ethiopian Shield #1

[Bill M]

Luc,

I really want to know truth as this is the only way we learn. I value your opinion, you have a depth of understanding, particularly about African weapons as do many of the other people on this forum.

Please state your frank opinions on these and any of the other pieces I post! It would help to also post any reasons you feel a certain way about a piece.

I want to learn!

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

Compare the frontside with the pictures I sent, the vertical line (sort of radius), the number and regularity of the bump (ball ?, I don't know the right word).The metallic decoration are too much on this type of shield.
And the backside, it is regular, smooth, deep black, clean, shiny.
The work of the leather is like shoe's leather !
It is not logical.

I have had these kind of fake in hands, it's look really new, I'm even not sure that it is hippopotamus leather.
We learn every day, and the fakers are very intelligent...

The Amarro shields were used in the movie : Planet of the Apes

Luc

[Martin Lubojacky]

It may be a copy, but I would´t be so sure from this pictures. Black and smooth surface is normal in this cases, Ethiopian traders apply black polish even on old original patina, big bulbs use to be placed regularly - too...one should heve it in hands to decide. What is really a little bit strange and may speak for a copy is very sharp radius at the roots of bulbs and a bit wavy rim
Martin

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

I think these pics can help to make the difference.
Luc