[francantolin]

Hello,
just found and bought this big dhal shield at flea market for a reasonable small price:

it is 65cm / 25,6 inches diameter and has a weight of 3kg / 6,6 pounds,
unfortunately, no more straps and cushion on the back

looking on internet, I saw that some Rajasthan leather shields have the same kind of bosses but never saw the decoration with these threes ( or plants ?)

Any idea about exact origin and age ?

For the leather, how can we know what kind of animal it come from ? Buffalo ?
has someone a ''magical technique'' for recognize it.
I read that rhino back shield are translucent but I'm not sure it will be the same when painted and lackered.

Thanks

Frankie