Terrs. The Omani Battle Shield. A Buckler.

[Jim McDougall]

Actually one of the fascinating areas of the study of weapons is often the lore associated with them. While the presentation of these shields is descriptive as well as depictive with examples shown, I think the note on the 'function' of these features is more of a representation of such local lore rather than in actual use.

This sort of descriptive note is often included with many features of varied weapons, and while not necessarily subscribed to but simply inclusively .

I have always thought these were unusual in the pronounced dome shape, and when seeing them in person was admittedly stunned at what I consider pretty small size. I must admit if I were defending myself from a sword attack I would surely want a very big shield!

[ariel]

Yup.
Just like Crocodile Dundee bringing in a very big " knOife":-)

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Actually one of the fascinating areas of the study of weapons is often the lore associated with them. While the presentation of these shields is descriptive as well as depictive with examples shown, I think the note on the 'function' of these features is more of a representation of such local lore rather than in actual use.

This sort of descriptive note is often included with many features of varied weapons, and while not necessarily subscribed to but simply inclusively .

I have always thought these were unusual in the pronounced dome shape, and when seeing them in person was admittedly stunned at what I consider pretty small size. I must admit if I were defending myself from a sword attack I would surely want a very big shield!

I think it's a "targe shield" or a "small rondache". The diameter of the targe is maximum 40cm, I think the Omani shield are around 20-30cm? the same function as a "main-gauche" dagger...
Best,

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all above...Thank you for your input. This is an Omani Terrs.

On size; I think the key reference is #1 showing a variety of slightly different sizes. As noted by Gavin Nugent above; the device in brass is primarily for attaching the holding strap behind the Terrs. There are two ways of trapping the opponents blade..the first being to twist a blade which has been caught stuck in the hide shields face. The second method, it is said, is by trapping the opponents sword between the brass rectangle and the shield. I agree that is tenuous but with the thin swords quite possible; though I place the wording...: "it is said that"...

I think there is a question over the size of the shield and it may be considered what weapon this shield was first used with..? and that is perhaps best looked at when the Terrs was passed on from its defensive role with The Sayf Yamaani onto the Omani thin flexible Sayf. Two other functions were also transferred ...The sharpenend two edges of the weapon in honour of the forefathers and the flat spatulate tip.

Two answers to the shields size concerns the small stature of the average Omani and the speed factor... The concept was slash and chop with the heavier original Sayf Yamaani behind or ballanced with very fast manouvering behind the Terrs...also seen to devastating effect in the European Targe.

I think readers need to remember that the shield and sword were accompanied by the spear...which because of Gunpowder became extinct from probably the 18th C. The Terrs shield also goes in to battle with the Khanjar dagger and in the Funoon traditions there is such a dance performance usually seen in Southern Oman. The Bara'a.

Regarding decoration with silver which is an excellent observation...The question as to why and when may be interesting.. The Richardson and Dorr illustrates such a Terrs made in the samer shape but in wood... It contains examples of Terrs in reed as well...same shape. I suggest that once the Sayf Yamaani became Iconized in about 1830 a number of other design factors were introduced including the Busaidi Hilt on both it and the Royal Khanjar...plus the Royal Turban and the Royal Camerbund.

It seems probable that the Sayf Yamaani with the Iconized silver hilt will have brought designer attention to its Terrs...at the same time.

It is generally recognised that the wife of Said The Great ...or one of them..."Sheherazad"... the Persian princess... who designed the Al Busaidi Hilt to the Khanjar also may well have been the instigator for the other items.

see ... http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=omani+khanjar

and ...http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ht=Omani+terrs

and ... http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ht=Omani+terrs

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams All...I post an interesting collage of weapons some of which are floated into the region from the Zanzibar Hub and some like the shield near the top already adopted by Oman.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all...I wondered if the brass cross format of the two rivet heads in the front of the Terrs shield holding the back hand strap in place were related to the Ethiopian Cross. May that indicate that the Terrs was manufactured in Ethiopia rather than being made in Zanzibar...or that Ethiopian artesans made them that way in Zanzibar or both ?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams all...I wondered if the brass cross format of the two rivet heads in the front of the Terrs shield holding the back hand strap in place were related to the Ethiopian Cross. May that indicate that the Terrs was manufactured in Ethiopia rather than being made in Zanzibar...or that Ethiopian artesans made it that way in Zanzibar or both ?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Salaam Ibrahiim,

For me it's a star not a cross.
The star is a common symbol in Islamic lands.
One question, where did you find your previous document, the drawing?
Thanks

Kubur

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Salaam Ibrahiim,

For me it's a star not a cross.
The star is a common symbol in Islamic lands.
One question, where did you find your previous document, the drawing?
Thanks

Kubur

Salaams Kubur,
The drawing is not initially attributed except that it appears as an image after searching for Omani Shield. In fact it is attributed to omanisilver.com only as a written reference not as a picture. From that reference it indicates it is from The commander of a French Frigate Capt Guillaine...in the mid 19th C. from his writing. see www.omanisilver.com

Star or cross... the Ethiopian version is called the Ethiopian cross though I agree it's a star shaped cross..Perhaps the shape mirrors the star cluster called the Southern Cross? Moreover my question is attached suggesting the link to The Ethiopian Cross..and perhaps to where it was manufactured.

In fact the question is virtually self answering as I note from Omani Silver.com Quote" Joseph Osgood in 1850 stated that many of these shields were turned at Zanzibar for Northern markets". Unquote....It can be seen that the shields are subjected to a turning or lathe effect cutting the essential grooves and ridges etc.I think therefor that more than one location was into making these shields and no reason why Zanzibar was not involved.....however, my point concerns the brass rectangles...Be they Ethiopian Crosses or what?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams all...I wondered if the brass cross format of the two rivet heads in the front of the Terrs shield holding the back hand strap in place were related to the Ethiopian Cross. May that indicate that the Terrs was manufactured in Ethiopia rather than being made in Zanzibar...or that Ethiopian artesans made them that way in Zanzibar or both ?

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Since the cross is generally accepted as a Christian symbol, is it likely to be accepted as a decoration in the Muslim world?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Since the cross is generally accepted as a Christian symbol, is it likely to be accepted as a decoration in the Muslim world?

Salaams Khanjar 1, In the case of crosses they are common since the cross is a symbol of light often seen in rugs and textiles particularly on Yurt door carpets and up the silk road work.

Southern Cross. I perhaps need to just correct your statement slightly...From the N. Hemisphere, For readers in the USA you have to be in Hawaii, or south Florida or south Texas – about 26 degrees N. latitude or further south – to see the Southern Cross.

In Africa that appears to put Ethiopia in range at 8 degrees N. Also the Tuaregs; Among Tuaregs, the four most visible stars of Crux are considered iggaren, i.e. four Maerua crassifolia trees. I refer to star formations also often seen on Berber\North African jewellery work...and my original quest for the reason for the shape of the brass rivet covers/rectangles...(if that is understood?) on the Terrs face.

The shapes seem to be Ethiopian in design...? Interestingly they could also be construed as a geometric figure 5 configuration as in the Talismanic format..but I leave that pencilled in the margin.

Showing;

1. The dominant cross on Katchli or Katchlu door rugs from the Yurt tent...and there are vast numbers of rugs all up the silk road with smaller crosses indicating candle light/ welcoming signs.

2. The Southern Cross.

3. The rectanguilar brass shape on the Terrs.. Sold item from Ashok Arts.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.