Oman Rhino hide buckler from Arabia

A scarce Omani Arabian shield or buckler of thick Rhino Hide.This small conical form of buckler seems to be related to other small hide shields from the region around the horn of Africa, this form with its very high domed form and small circumference is particular to Oman and probably has very ancient origins in its form as an arab hand buckler for use in combination with a long weapon. This example has an attractive white leather colouration, the concentric rings which form the main decoration are rasied and crisp, two brass star shaped buckles are visible on the front, which hold the leather handgrip on the reverse. 19th century. One attached point of the handgrip has been reattached.  middle east