Hi Bill,
the problem with collecting is that I always want more, and hardly ever want to part with nice things
Very bad for the financials, Trying to stick to Borneo, I know have 4 african shields.
According to Barbier / Mueller the shields with the extreme bump like this one are Zay or Gurage from south Ethiopia.
The Oromo shields are also very nice. if I bump into one at a good price I might be tempted again.
From galleries in Belgium and The Netherlands I received info that this type of shield (together of course with Oromo) are mostly made of Hippo.
Rhino and Elephant skin should have pronounced rinkles, such as the Bedja shield in 'Shields from Barbier Mueller'.
Buffalo seems to be a slightly thinner skin.
As for the repaired cuts.
This one also has a mark near the centre that looks like a cut, but has not been repaired.
I am not sure about the reason for these cuts. caused in a fight might be possible, but it looks like a typical thing for this type shield.
The shileds are made by stretching them over a mould with ridges and notches and than workin gon it to get it into shape.
The edges roll back as a natural reaction of the leather.
I can imagine that during this proces when the skin is fresh and wet the skin sometimes get cut and is repaired during the making already.
Is this a possibility
any other info from collectors about this ?
maybe examples from other collections can be put on the site ?
Thanks and best regards,
Willem