Antique Abyssinian Shield

An Antique Tribal Abyssinian Shield. Made from dark thick animal hide, the unusually conical form is decorated to the front by concentric embossed rings and marked geometric decoration. The shaping of this shield would have been done when wet to mould it to such and extreme shape and to enable the markings to be deep and long lasting.  The sides display two hide lashings, which attach the large looped hide handgrip from within, to one side there is a small leather loop to the front for fastening or hanging it up for display. The rim is rolled over to act as a strengthening feature for blows from the side, and the whole form is conical in order to deflect sword hits and bladed attack. The conical and small form of this shield makes it especially attractive, and in lovely condition it is a great piece for the collector.