African shield for ID

[Martin Lubojacky]

Thanks for the standpoint Colin. I would be happy if I have more standpoints...
As far as me - I am half and half. They told me the leather edging was added additionally, but still there is something strange on it and the whole circumstances around....
Please, other African "matadors" - don´t be afraid to express your opinions !

[Iain]

Hi Martin,

I agree the Musgum shield is quite different in size, but the construction seems identical.

I have been looking through the few resources I have, but found nothing so far. Smaller shield about this size are of course common in the Bauchi region, but the Berom shields are usually palm bark and of course no help.

Colin rightly notes similarities with Mambila shields. Here is a good link about them. http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/external/...shield-bg.html

However one thing I notice immediately is the difference in size, proportions and grip (braided thong instead of a solid piece of wood).

I also agree that the shield looks a bit 'new'. But I am completely unsure of how old reed shields usually appear. Another point of concern for me is that most shields of this material and from this region I have seen are not entirely flat like this. They are concave...

Regardless, it is an interesting item, I need to get into shields at some point!

Cheers,

Iain

[Martin Lubojacky]

Hi Iain,
Thank you for interesting link. All differences you mentioned are right. But couldn´it be some kind of dancing shield ?
Regards,
Martin