African Shield for Identification & Comment

[Lee]

A reader sent the following text and images and requests identification and comment of this shield.

Its a Beja style shield but instead of hide, its wood wrapped in leather with snake skin on the boss. The shield is almost 19 inches across; unfortunately missing its handle.
For me it looks to have age consistent with being circa 19th Century but I can't be 100% on that. Just wondered if you have encountered anything like it before or have any suggestions?