Strange Shield for Discussion

Bob A · 31st January 2024, 05:06 PM

Laboratory analysis of material and pigments would possibly provide pointers to location of origin.

Other than that, pure speculation would have to suffice.

RobT · 31st January 2024, 11:49 PM

Hi All,

I don't really know anything about shields but, do many have such an elaborate decoration on the inside? Then too, it appears that the hand holds and hole for the hand were added after the design was made. It seems like a lot of work for nothing to make a complex design and then destroy part of it. What is the diameter of the shield. The designs look Japanese to me. I know this sounds crazy but could this item have started life as a Jingasa?!

Sincerely,
RobT

Tim Simmons · 1st February 2024, 06:16 AM

I think you are right, a hat. Rather nice too. What looks like a handle is the soft head pad and the rings are for securing straps.
https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...jingasa-helmet

Gavin Nugent · 2nd February 2024, 01:27 AM

I don't see it as a Japanese hat, I can see parallels, however, look to the detail of the handle and manner of the handle strap.

They are secured externally like the Somali Gaashaan and Ethiopian Amhara and Oromo shields, and share similar external profiles to the Ethiopian types. The knuckle pad and grip and straps within are distinctly different though.

With these examples under discussion, note one is clearly a cylindrical grip, the other a wrist strap, this feature is found in the others previously under discussion. Certainly not a hat to my eyes when looking at the pieces together and how they function.

I feel these are from the horn of African, where exactly, I cannot say, but lean more to Ethiopia as red was also a very popular colour on the inside of their shields and there was a vast array of styling within the shape of this shield type too.

kino · 2nd February 2024, 02:07 AM

I have seen a few Jingasa’s and from what I remember the section that hangs over the ears were either cotton or silk, not leather or leather covered.

Richard G · 2nd February 2024, 02:24 PM

With a little bit of imagination the main element of the decoration could represent a coptic cross.
Best wishes
Richard

drac2k · 2nd February 2024, 04:16 PM

Looking at the top of the shield, there appears to be a hole; if so there was probably a metal boss there at one time. This, as well as the handhold set up inside of the item, makes me think that it was always a shield.
The colors and the artwork made me also think that this item was Ethiopian or that surrounding area.
Once again the material of the "item," would be most helpful in providing other clues.

31st January 2024, 11:49 PM	#2
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 456	Shield From the Start? Hi All, I don't really know anything about shields but, do many have such an elaborate decoration on the inside? Then too, it appears that the hand holds and hole for the hand were added after the design was made. It seems like a lot of work for nothing to make a complex design and then destroy part of it. What is the diameter of the shield. The designs look Japanese to me. I know this sounds crazy but could this item have started life as a Jingasa?! Sincerely, RobT

2nd February 2024, 01:27 AM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	I don't see it as a Japanese hat, I can see parallels, however, look to the detail of the handle and manner of the handle strap. They are secured externally like the Somali Gaashaan and Ethiopian Amhara and Oromo shields, and share similar external profiles to the Ethiopian types. The knuckle pad and grip and straps within are distinctly different though. With these examples under discussion, note one is clearly a cylindrical grip, the other a wrist strap, this feature is found in the others previously under discussion. Certainly not a hat to my eyes when looking at the pieces together and how they function. I feel these are from the horn of African, where exactly, I cannot say, but lean more to Ethiopia as red was also a very popular colour on the inside of their shields and there was a vast array of styling within the shape of this shield type too. Attached Images

31st January 2024, 05:06 PM	#1
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 415	Laboratory analysis of material and pigments would possibly provide pointers to location of origin. Other than that, pure speculation would have to suffice.

1st February 2024, 06:16 AM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,742	I think you are right, a hat. Rather nice too. What looks like a handle is the soft head pad and the rings are for securing straps. https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...jingasa-helmet

2nd February 2024, 02:07 AM	#5
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 981	I have seen a few Jingasa’s and from what I remember the section that hangs over the ears were either cotton or silk, not leather or leather covered.

2nd February 2024, 02:24 PM	#6
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 402	With a little bit of imagination the main element of the decoration could represent a coptic cross. Best wishes Richard

2nd February 2024, 04:16 PM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,184	Looking at the top of the shield, there appears to be a hole; if so there was probably a metal boss there at one time. This, as well as the handhold set up inside of the item, makes me think that it was always a shield. The colors and the artwork made me also think that this item was Ethiopian or that surrounding area. Once again the material of the "item," would be most helpful in providing other clues.