Strange Turtle Shell Shield on Ebay

Lew · 5th June 2006, 09:00 PM

Hi Guys

This auction just ended. Is this African?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7418974408

Lew

Tim Simmons · 5th June 2006, 09:10 PM

I think it is. I am sure I have some pictures I will go and find them.

Tim Simmons · 5th June 2006, 09:13 PM

Sudanese picture to follow.

South Sudan. Dinka, Shilluk.

Picture from Shields, Barbier-Mueller Museum, Prestel. Not expensive and a must have.

VANDOO · 5th June 2006, 10:11 PM

THE SHIELDS DUE TO SIZE AND APPEARANCE LOOK TO BE FROM THE FRESH WATER SOFTSHELL TURTLE. IT IS ABUNDANT IN OKLAHOMA AND CONSIDERED GOOD EATING, I SUSPECT IT IS A SIMULAR SPECIES FROM AFRICA ,SUDAN AS MENTIONED ABOVE. THE CENTER OF THE SHELL IS BONE WITH A LARGE RUBBERY PART ALL AROUND THE OUTSIDE WHICH WOULD SHRINK UP WHEN DRY AND HELP HOLD THE BONES TOGETHER. INTERESTING SHIELD I HAD NOT SEEN ONE.

katana · 5th June 2006, 10:20 PM

Tried to search turtle shells by species. But due to the patination on the 'turtle shield' it is very difficult to pin point one in particular. I can tell you the likely suspects for providing the shell have nesting sites on the African coastline bordering the Red Sea.(Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia) Unfortunately, the same species are found around Australasia, Polynesia etc.
So no conclusive answer, I'm afraid.

Actually wondering whether the shell would be a good shield........it didn't protect the previous owner very well...

Lew · 5th June 2006, 11:03 PM

Katana

That Zulu cowhide shield didn't help the cow either

Lew

katana · 5th June 2006, 11:12 PM

TOUCHE

5th June 2006, 09:00 PM	#1
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Strange Turtle Shell Shield on Ebay Hi Guys This auction just ended. Is this African? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7418974408 Lew

5th June 2006, 09:13 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Sudanese picture to follow. South Sudan. Dinka, Shilluk. Picture from Shields, Barbier-Mueller Museum, Prestel. Not expensive and a must have. Attached Images

5th June 2006, 09:10 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I think it is. I am sure I have some pictures I will go and find them.

5th June 2006, 10:11 PM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THE SHIELDS DUE TO SIZE AND APPEARANCE LOOK TO BE FROM THE FRESH WATER SOFTSHELL TURTLE. IT IS ABUNDANT IN OKLAHOMA AND CONSIDERED GOOD EATING, I SUSPECT IT IS A SIMULAR SPECIES FROM AFRICA ,SUDAN AS MENTIONED ABOVE. THE CENTER OF THE SHELL IS BONE WITH A LARGE RUBBERY PART ALL AROUND THE OUTSIDE WHICH WOULD SHRINK UP WHEN DRY AND HELP HOLD THE BONES TOGETHER. INTERESTING SHIELD I HAD NOT SEEN ONE.

5th June 2006, 10:20 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Tried to search turtle shells by species. But due to the patination on the 'turtle shield' it is very difficult to pin point one in particular. I can tell you the likely suspects for providing the shell have nesting sites on the African coastline bordering the Red Sea.(Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia) Unfortunately, the same species are found around Australasia, Polynesia etc. So no conclusive answer, I'm afraid. Actually wondering whether the shell would be a good shield........it didn't protect the previous owner very well...

5th June 2006, 11:03 PM	#6
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Katana That Zulu cowhide shield didn't help the cow either Lew

5th June 2006, 11:12 PM	#7
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	TOUCHE