Beja Shield

Norman McCormick · 22nd February 2021, 04:04 PM

Hi,
A hide shield of the Beja. Most of the items from this part of the world were bring backs from the mahdist period and I have no reason to suspect this is otherwise. A diameter of 23 inches and good thick hide in pretty good condition.
Regards,
Norman.

colin henshaw · 22nd February 2021, 04:24 PM

A good example Norman, thanks for posting. They are often found damaged/buckled.

Regards.

kino · 22nd February 2021, 04:38 PM

I agree, it’s in good condition.
I like the simple construction.
What animal is it from?
What purpose does the cutouts around the outer perimeter serve?

Thanks for sharing.

Kmaddock · 22nd February 2021, 05:53 PM

Lovely example

Elephant hide I believe

Here is a link to my a lot worse to wear one

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26260

Regards

Ken

Norman McCormick · 22nd February 2021, 06:24 PM

Hi,
Thanks guys. Yes I believe elephant hide is the preferred material for these. As far as the meaning or use re the cutouts I think the jury is still out on that. Spear rests seem to be the most popular explanation but I'm not convinced.
Regards,
Norman.

colin henshaw · 23rd February 2021, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
Thanks guys. Yes I believe elephant hide is the preferred material for these. As far as the meaning or use re the cutouts I think the jury is still out on that. Spear rests seem to be the most popular explanation but I'm not convinced.
Regards,
Norman.

I read somewhere that the cutouts were to improve the vision of the person holding the shield...

22nd February 2021, 04:04 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Beja Shield Hi, A hide shield of the Beja. Most of the items from this part of the world were bring backs from the mahdist period and I have no reason to suspect this is otherwise. A diameter of 23 inches and good thick hide in pretty good condition. Regards, Norman. Attached Images Last edited by Norman McCormick; 22nd February 2021 at 06:20 PM.

22nd February 2021, 04:24 PM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	A good example Norman, thanks for posting. They are often found damaged/buckled. Regards.

22nd February 2021, 04:38 PM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,002	I agree, it’s in good condition. I like the simple construction. What animal is it from? What purpose does the cutouts around the outer perimeter serve? Thanks for sharing.

22nd February 2021, 05:53 PM	#4
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Lovely example Elephant hide I believe Here is a link to my a lot worse to wear one http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26260 Regards Ken

22nd February 2021, 06:24 PM	#5
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Hi, Thanks guys. Yes I believe elephant hide is the preferred material for these. As far as the meaning or use re the cutouts I think the jury is still out on that. Spear rests seem to be the most popular explanation but I'm not convinced. Regards, Norman.