Ethiopian Amharic shield

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by roanoa

Hi, Jim. In the 1930s metal shields became popular in Abyssinia. Pressed out of sheet metal, backed by thin red leather, covered by velvet and decorated with brass strips (sometimes dipped in silver). Over the years I have identified three different decoration patterns (as per one of the old chats). The shields themselves identical in size. Similar shields were available (and probably still are) as tourist pieces at the various market places in Ethiopia. The decorations are much cruder and even the retaining pins have been replaced by the pins used for holding together documents. The difference between an "original" and a tourist piece is quite obvious. In my opinion, the shield of this debate is not an old one and most likely purchased at the Addis mercato in the '60s.

Thank you for this assessment, and while of course disappointed it is not older, I still value it as an example following Ethiopian tradition and ethnographic form. As I often note in responses to items which are in the 'tourist' category, they still carry 'ethnographic' value even without the 'historic' imbuement. As always I admire your outstanding knowledge on these items and appreciate your sharing these details.
Again, it is truly good to have you posting here again!

All the best,
Jim