2 SHIELDS FOR COMMENT

thinreadline · 3rd January 2012, 03:22 PM

Here are 2 shields from my collection . The first I know is Ethiopian , but the second although I beleive it comes from N E Africa , I have never been able to find a similar one for comparison or confirmation ... It is leather and it has a very distinctive painted pattern and a more modern repair.

Iain · 3rd January 2012, 05:03 PM

Second looks pretty close to a Beja shield? Although the characteristic spear cutouts aren't present...

thinreadline · 3rd January 2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain

Second looks pretty close to a Beja shield? Although the characteristic spear cutouts aren't present...

Yes I see what you mean , but that small but significant difference plus the attractive decorative work makes me wonder if this is not something a bit more special.

roanoa · 4th January 2012, 04:14 AM

Domed shaped aside, based on the painted decoration and the two handles and the padding in the back, I will venture to say that it may be Indo-persian.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 4th January 2012, 06:12 PM

Salaams ~ The Omani Terrs has its origins in this form and hide from various creatures was sought for its construction in the regional Hub of Zanzibar viz; Hippo, Rhino, Water Buffalo and possibly Whale. The shape and size looks identical however can you post the sizes please?

I agree with Iain about the beautiful design to the lower item with crosses and clusters of archways in the religious style common to the region. Crosses have many concepts and candle light is one ... though it is also a geometric structure as is the dot at the centre of the arch clusters meaning universal centre...

However, I'm not wishing to read to much into the artistic style rather to compare the shield with the Buckler of Oman and to point to its very African form.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

thinreadline · 4th January 2012, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roanoa

Domed shaped aside, based on the painted decoration and the two handles and the padding in the back, I will venture to say that it may be Indo-persian.

That is an interesting suggestion... I am attaching a pic of an Indo Persian wooden quiver from my collection ... the colours and floral decoration are similar though not the same.

thinreadline · 4th January 2012, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams ~ The Omani Terrs has its origins in this form and hide from various creatures was sought for its construction in the regional Hub of Zanzibar viz; Hippo, Rhino, Water Buffalo and possibly Whale. The shape and size looks identical however can you post the sizes please?

I agree with Iain about the beautiful design to the lower item with crosses and clusters of archways in the religious style common to the region. Crosses have many concepts and candle light is one ... though it is also a geometric structure as is the dot at the centre of the arch clusters meaning universal centre...

However, I'm not wishing to read to much into the artistic style rather to compare the shield with the Buckler of Oman and to point to its very African form.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Salaams Ibrahiim
As always your answers are enlightening and appreciated , you have of course pointed out my fooloish omission... the size. The painted patterned shield is 45 cm in diameter .
Thank you
Richmond

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 5th January 2012, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinreadline

Salaams Ibrahiim
As always your answers are enlightening and appreciated , you have of course pointed out my fooloish omission... the size. The painted patterned shield is 45 cm in diameter .
Thank you
Richmond

Salaams Richmond~ Having had another look...Ok I agree with the suggestion of Indo Persian because of the size and decoration which on second thoughts are not African. The split floral decoration could easily be Indo Persian as are the { arch ways. The tight geometric crosses also point to that part of the world. I think the fresh colours are another indicator in similar style broadly to your other examples.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

thinreadline · 5th January 2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Richmond~ Having had another look...Ok I agree with the suggestion of Indo Persian because of the size and decoration which on second thoughts are not African. The split floral decoration could easily be Indo Persian as are the { arch ways. The tight geometric crosses also point to that part of the world. I think the fresh colours are another indicator in similar style broadly to your other examples.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Salaams Ibrahiim - thank you for that confirmation , the concensus is certainly towards Indo Persian .. which gives me a problem ... my Indo Persian wall is now very full and can I find a space for this shield without major reorganisation ? But this is a pleasurable problem !
Richmond

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 5th January 2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinreadline

Salaams Ibrahiim - thank you for that confirmation , the concensus is certainly towards Indo Persian .. which gives me a problem ... my Indo Persian wall is now very full and can I find a space for this shield without major reorganisation ? But this is a pleasurable problem !
Richmond

Salaams ~ I believe that is why we have ceilings ... to take the overload off the walls for all our gear !!!

Ibrahiim

thinreadline · 5th January 2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams ~ I believe that is why we have ceilings ... to take the overload off the walls for all our gear !!!

Ibrahiim

Salaams Ibrahiim
You are right .. though my good friend in the south of England has now reached the stage of having to hang his new acquisitions from the ceiling !
Richmond

3rd January 2012, 03:22 PM	#1
thinreadline Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Wirral Posts: 1,204	2 SHIELDS FOR COMMENT Here are 2 shields from my collection . The first I know is Ethiopian , but the second although I beleive it comes from N E Africa , I have never been able to find a similar one for comparison or confirmation ... It is leather and it has a very distinctive painted pattern and a more modern repair. Attached Images Last edited by thinreadline; 3rd January 2012 at 03:38 PM. Reason: put in wrong forum grouping

3rd January 2012, 05:03 PM	#2
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	Second looks pretty close to a Beja shield? Although the characteristic spear cutouts aren't present...

4th January 2012, 04:14 AM	#4
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 235	Domed shaped aside, based on the painted decoration and the two handles and the padding in the back, I will venture to say that it may be Indo-persian.

4th January 2012, 06:12 PM	#5
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams ~ The Omani Terrs has its origins in this form and hide from various creatures was sought for its construction in the regional Hub of Zanzibar viz; Hippo, Rhino, Water Buffalo and possibly Whale. The shape and size looks identical however can you post the sizes please? I agree with Iain about the beautiful design to the lower item with crosses and clusters of archways in the religious style common to the region. Crosses have many concepts and candle light is one ... though it is also a geometric structure as is the dot at the centre of the arch clusters meaning universal centre... However, I'm not wishing to read to much into the artistic style rather to compare the shield with the Buckler of Oman and to point to its very African form. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi.