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Old 1st October 2008, 09:48 AM   #7
Martin Lubojacky
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Czech Republic
Posts: 843
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Hello,

This is Wolaytta People shield from Ethiopia. Cca 15 years ago it was easily obtainable in Addis Ababa "antique" shops, now it is becoming more rare and also export of this items from Ethiopia is strictly prohibited. These shields use to be big and heavy (made of thick and very "dense" skin (but not elephant)). There are cca 4 types of this Wolaytta shields - with/without anteflexed rims and with smooth surface or decorated with small engravings arround all projections. The shield was carried so, that the holder was slipped on forearm and fingers retained leather springle fastened to the rim.

Regards,
Martin
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