Rare Tuareg shield Ayar of Oryx hide

 A scarce Tuareg shield known as an ‘Ayar’. Made from oryx hide which is originally white, and supple, the front mounted with metal studs and bosses, with further red cloth and remains of green leather edging around those regions. The hide is decoratively inscribed with an unusual pattern which may be a variation of the amuletic devise used to ward off the evil eye. The reverse with a leather bound grip, and woven leather strap for attaching to the camel saddle. This example may perhaps have been made for a youth as it is slightly smaller and lighter than some. 98×67 cms. middle eastern african berber islamic hoggar algeria touareg bouclier saharan sahel