Terrs. The Omani Battle Shield. A Buckler.

[Jim McDougall]

Most interesting notes on these cross like fixtures on the Omani terrs, and as has been noted, these issued in pairs on the shield are clearly intended not only as decoration but to secure the holding strap.

Earlier there was a note questioning if the cross would be something which would appear on a Muslim item. Actually, the 'cross' , while of course having a well known presence in Christianity, in this case is probably much as the forms of cross known among Tuareg tribes which are not intended as a religious symbol but directed to the four cardinal directions of the compass.
These Tuareg crosses, most commonly known as 'the cross of Agadez' (in Niger), were prolifically produced (at least 21 types with certain tribal significance) since the 16th c.
They were of course heavily traded and certainly would have been present in routes trans Sahara and into Ethiopia, then of course networked into Zanzibar.

With the Sunni Muslims among Tuareg tribes, these are often regarded as talismanic, the four arms to protect from evil 'from the four corners if the world' and the center representing God, the center of all.

As these types of cross were of this character and entered the trade systems into Zanzibar, it seems plausible that similarly shaped examples might have been added on these shields in that thought.

Another thought suggested for these, many of which are with the circle above, is that the Egyptian ankh may have had influence.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Most interesting notes on these cross like fixtures on the Omani terrs, and as has been noted, these issued in pairs on the shield are clearly intended not only as decoration but to secure the holding strap.

Earlier there was a note questioning if the cross would be something which would appear on a Muslim item. Actually, the 'cross' , while of course having a well known presence in Christianity, in this case is probably much as the forms of cross known among Tuareg tribes which are not intended as a religious symbol but directed to the four cardinal directions of the compass.
These Tuareg crosses, most commonly known as 'the cross of Agadez' (in Niger), were prolifically produced (at least 21 types with certain tribal significance) since the 16th c.
They were of course heavily traded and certainly would have been present in routes trans Sahara and into Ethiopia, then of course networked into Zanzibar.

With the Sunni Muslims among Tuareg tribes, these are often regarded as talismanic, the four arms to protect from evil 'from the four corners if the world' and the center representing God, the center of all.

As these types of cross were of this character and entered the trade systems into Zanzibar, it seems plausible that similarly shaped examples might have been added on these shields in that thought.

Another thought suggested for these, many of which are with the circle above, is that the Egyptian ankh may have had influence.

Salaams Jim, Thank you for the post and excellent artwork ..It backs up my previous statement at #26 above that Among Tuaregs, the four most visible stars of Crux (The Southern Cross) are considered iggaren, i.e. four Maerua crassifolia trees. I refer to star formations also often seen on Berber\North African jewellery work...

In reference to the ancient Egyptian ankh see http://altreligion.about.com/od/symbols/p/Ankh.htm

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Jim McDougall]

Absolutely Ibrahiim!!
As you well note earlier, the cross as a symbol or device, like many others, is often convergently known in many cultural spheres with equally diverse interpretations. Textiles and materials typically carrying extensive motif often incorporate these various symbols and devices profusely, and offer us many opportunities to compare to such detail on weapons as noted here.

Good work on the astronomy as well, and while I know the Southern Cross term is I think of course key to our friends 'down under' in Australia and New Zealand, the constellation is of course also well known far to the north.
As in many, perhaps most, ethnographic societies it seems cosmological themes are well observed in lore, tradition and folk religion.

As you point out, the character of these devices on the terrs seems to reflect Ethiopian influence. Perhaps these Agadez crosses, or even the ancient Egyptian ankh, may have filtered into the crafts of artisans there?
The diffusion of these kinds of nuances through centuries of trade of course has no bounds.

[VANDOO]

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF A SHIELD THAT SOLD RECENTLY TO ADD TO THE REFERENCE.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by VANDOO

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF A SHIELD THAT SOLD RECENTLY TO ADD TO THE REFERENCE.

Salaams Vandoo ...Excellent support and backup pictures thanks...
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Here is another Ters where a lathe has been used to shape the outer surface.