Shield, Galla?

Jim McDougall · 20th January 2026, 01:52 AM

This shield I can only find notes describing it as 'Galla'. Can anyone give more perspective on tribal possibilities and period (late 19th?).

TVV · 20th January 2026, 05:34 AM

I only have the Benitez & Barbier book, and it suggests that these shields were made and used well into the 20th century. They are still very attractive in my opinion.

Jim McDougall · 20th January 2026, 12:50 PM

Thank you so much Teodor!!!

That is an outstanding reference and exactly what I hoped to find out.
The field of African weapons is pretty fascinating, and while I have not really focused on it much except for kaskaras and takoubas, it seems every time I go back into the sphere it is captivating.

It seems I got this shield sometime pre 2004, as it is seen here in a photo with Dominique Buttin holding his grandfathers book in a visit to my home in Dallas that year (I truly miss my den! we have been 'on the road' since 2007).
While the 'library' has always been pretty comprehensive, clearly I have some serious gaps

and I am grateful for you posting that page.

I remember though, that it was indeed attractive (thank you for the kind words) and in a dramatically strange way with the ribbing etc.

Thank you again Teodor!

All best regards
Jim

20th January 2026, 01:52 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,781	Shield, Galla? This shield I can only find notes describing it as 'Galla'. Can anyone give more perspective on tribal possibilities and period (late 19th?). Attached Images

20th January 2026, 05:34 AM	#2
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,750	I only have the Benitez & Barbier book, and it suggests that these shields were made and used well into the 20th century. They are still very attractive in my opinion. Attached Images

20th January 2026, 12:50 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,781	Thank you so much Teodor!!! That is an outstanding reference and exactly what I hoped to find out. The field of African weapons is pretty fascinating, and while I have not really focused on it much except for kaskaras and takoubas, it seems every time I go back into the sphere it is captivating. It seems I got this shield sometime pre 2004, as it is seen here in a photo with Dominique Buttin holding his grandfathers book in a visit to my home in Dallas that year (I truly miss my den! we have been 'on the road' since 2007). While the 'library' has always been pretty comprehensive, clearly I have some serious gaps and I am grateful for you posting that page. I remember though, that it was indeed attractive (thank you for the kind words) and in a dramatically strange way with the ribbing etc. Thank you again Teodor! All best regards Jim Attached Images