Is this a THAI or BURMESE Shield?

CharlesS · 9th September 2010, 08:43 PM

Almost certainly 19th Century, I thought at first this was wood, but now believed it is carefully shaped hide that has been heavily lacquered and painted. The rear is reinforced with a hardwood rib which also serves as the handle.

But....is it Thai or Burmese???...and what characteristics would define it as such???

Thanks in advance for any input.

Nathaniel · 10th September 2010, 01:44 AM

Damm, Charles...that is one badass shield!!! Where can I get one!! Beautiful depiction on the front. Reminds me of the Chinese Fu Dogs/Lion/ Evil tempered Pekinese dog

That is an interesting looking bone in his mouth...some sort of forked arrow/ scepter/ pole arm.

Regarding if it's Thai or Burmese, I'm not entirely sure...I really haven't seen any shields like this from Burma that are as ornate, but not to say they don't exist....most shields I've seen pictures of the Northern Burmese ethnic groups...Naga, Kachin, etc and infinite sub groups which are not as ornate. Obviously though by the highly skilled and diverse craftsmanship seen in the Dha from the ethnic groups in Burma, this level of skill was present.

As I brought up earlier in a thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11786

It is puzzling why we don't see more examples of Burmese weapons other than swords...muskets, shields, pole arms brought back by UK soldiers & colonist....or Thai examples from early Portuguese, Dutch traders...followed by English, French, etc

Talking with Michael Charney, he reminded me that some Thai artisans where brought back to Burma during various raids and sacks throughout Thailand...therefore some crafts are similar...and that what we think of Thailand & Burma didn't exist then but really more of a loose collection of tribes and states that borders and rulers frequently changed alliance...eg...The city state of Chiang Mai frequently changed alliance between Ayutthaya and Burma.

Wow, what a stunning shield...thanks for sharing!

Nathaniel · 10th September 2010, 01:46 AM

Charles, I was wondering if you could list the specs on this shield? Height, width, weight ???

Nathaniel · 10th September 2010, 01:55 AM

Charles, I would love to hear what our Thai forum members Bancha & Puff would comment. My feeling is the shield is Thai...Central Thai.

Nathaniel · 10th September 2010, 01:56 AM

CharlesS · 10th September 2010, 01:58 AM

I'd say that pic speaks volumes...any specific info on the photo??

9th September 2010, 08:43 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Is this a THAI or BURMESE Shield? Almost certainly 19th Century, I thought at first this was wood, but now believed it is carefully shaped hide that has been heavily lacquered and painted. The rear is reinforced with a hardwood rib which also serves as the handle. But....is it Thai or Burmese???...and what characteristics would define it as such??? Thanks in advance for any input. Attached Images

10th September 2010, 01:44 AM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Damm, Charles...that is one badass shield!!! Where can I get one!! Beautiful depiction on the front. Reminds me of the Chinese Fu Dogs/Lion/ Evil tempered Pekinese dog That is an interesting looking bone in his mouth...some sort of forked arrow/ scepter/ pole arm. Regarding if it's Thai or Burmese, I'm not entirely sure...I really haven't seen any shields like this from Burma that are as ornate, but not to say they don't exist....most shields I've seen pictures of the Northern Burmese ethnic groups...Naga, Kachin, etc and infinite sub groups which are not as ornate. Obviously though by the highly skilled and diverse craftsmanship seen in the Dha from the ethnic groups in Burma, this level of skill was present. As I brought up earlier in a thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11786 It is puzzling why we don't see more examples of Burmese weapons other than swords...muskets, shields, pole arms brought back by UK soldiers & colonist....or Thai examples from early Portuguese, Dutch traders...followed by English, French, etc Talking with Michael Charney, he reminded me that some Thai artisans where brought back to Burma during various raids and sacks throughout Thailand...therefore some crafts are similar...and that what we think of Thailand & Burma didn't exist then but really more of a loose collection of tribes and states that borders and rulers frequently changed alliance...eg...The city state of Chiang Mai frequently changed alliance between Ayutthaya and Burma. Wow, what a stunning shield...thanks for sharing! Last edited by Nathaniel; 10th September 2010 at 03:14 PM.

10th September 2010, 01:46 AM	#3
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Charles, I was wondering if you could list the specs on this shield? Height, width, weight ??? Last edited by Nathaniel; 10th September 2010 at 06:14 AM.

10th September 2010, 01:55 AM	#4
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Charles, I would love to hear what our Thai forum members Bancha & Puff would comment. My feeling is the shield is Thai...Central Thai.

10th September 2010, 01:56 AM	#5
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865

10th September 2010, 01:58 AM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	I'd say that pic speaks volumes...any specific info on the photo??