19th Century Somali Leather Hide Shield

A rare 19th century bleached and incised leather hide shield.The hide is bleached and incised with geometric patterns.Somali warriors carried an iron spear, a short sword called a belawa, and a shield called a gãschãn. These shields were bleached white with elaborately incised with concentric circles and short parallel lines. The Shield measures 13 inches tall and wide, and will include a professional custom wall mounted display stand. Provenance: Ex Amyas Naegele Gallery, NYC, Ex Private New York city collection.
Condition Report: Good, well worn