African Shield for comments

Tim Simmons · 20th July 2006, 06:20 PM

This edited picture is from C.Springs African Arms and Armour of Didinga warriors of southern Sudan. I also post pictures of a spear from the area and possibly Uganda. A hard knife like blade 28cm long, just the blade that is, with a heavy rib 1.5cm. The socket part is faceted. This form of spear is light and balanced for throwing and yet strong enough to use as a lance/shock weapon with a shield.

katana · 20th July 2006, 06:33 PM

Very nice shield Bill,
I've noticed that on eBay recently there have been a number of 'Toposa' / 'Turkana' type shields that are very similar to yours. Yours seems to have a nice 'solid' look about it. I have also seen some examples for sale made from sheet metal, as Freddy has already mentioned. Unfortunately, both examples where severly dented and looked in poor condition.

Not so certain the 'smaller shield' with Washington's portrait would offer much protection....

Tim, I love the design of the spearhead, you can see how the design provides 'lightness' ,with strength provided by the the ribs. Saving the amount of steel/iron used but, requiring greater skill and time to produce.

20th July 2006, 06:20 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	Nice! This edited picture is from C.Springs African Arms and Armour of Didinga warriors of southern Sudan. I also post pictures of a spear from the area and possibly Uganda. A hard knife like blade 28cm long, just the blade that is, with a heavy rib 1.5cm. The socket part is faceted. This form of spear is light and balanced for throwing and yet strong enough to use as a lance/shock weapon with a shield. Attached Images

20th July 2006, 06:33 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Very nice shield Bill, I've noticed that on eBay recently there have been a number of 'Toposa' / 'Turkana' type shields that are very similar to yours. Yours seems to have a nice 'solid' look about it. I have also seen some examples for sale made from sheet metal, as Freddy has already mentioned. Unfortunately, both examples where severly dented and looked in poor condition. Not so certain the 'smaller shield' with Washington's portrait would offer much protection.... Tim, I love the design of the spearhead, you can see how the design provides 'lightness' ,with strength provided by the the ribs. Saving the amount of steel/iron used but, requiring greater skill and time to produce. Last edited by katana; 20th July 2006 at 06:44 PM.