Ethiopian Amharic shield

Martin Lubojacky · Yesterday, 09:44 PM

Jim, is the shield made of leather or of sheet metal (later they were also made of metal)? What material is the metal decoration made from? Your shield—and its age—would probably be best evaluated by Ron, who is an expert in this field. I myself think it is a "dress" shield from around the first third of the 20th century. For example, shields from the period of the Battle of Magdala (1868) had different metal elements (see the photo of Captain Speedy and Prince Alemayehu), and it is probably not from the turn of the century either, though I may be mistaken. I’m attaching several old images. In one of them is the old Ras Nasibu (on foot with a spear and shield in hand). Unfortunately, those photos are not dated.

Yesterday, 09:44 PM	#5
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 854	Jim, is the shield made of leather or of sheet metal (later they were also made of metal)? What material is the metal decoration made from? Your shield—and its age—would probably be best evaluated by Ron, who is an expert in this field. I myself think it is a "dress" shield from around the first third of the 20th century. For example, shields from the period of the Battle of Magdala (1868) had different metal elements (see the photo of Captain Speedy and Prince Alemayehu), and it is probably not from the turn of the century either, though I may be mistaken. I’m attaching several old images. In one of them is the old Ras Nasibu (on foot with a spear and shield in hand). Unfortunately, those photos are not dated. Attached Images