SOMALIAN HIDE SHIELD

Ca. 19th century AD. > A shield of circular form, the convex hide body centred by a raised boss and decorated overall with finely incised concentric bands and geometric motifs. The carved ornament is arranged in radiating patterns that emphasise the shield?s symmetry and visual impact. Shields of this type were used across the Horn of Africa both for defence and as markers of status, with decoration often reflecting regional styles and the identity of the owner. >For similar see: The British Musuem, Af.4367. >Size: 335mm x 335mm; Weight: 710g > Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014. >>