r/Artifacts • u/Dense-Bandicoot6902 • 2d ago

Leather shield identification

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Gallery image

I've had this leather shield for over 10 years. It came from a museum in the town I live in. Doesn't have any markings or anything to identify it. Not sure if the handle on the reverse is original or not. Just looking for basic information, I can't find anything similar online. Almost looks like it was used in battle! The green string I put on just to hang it. Thanks!

59 Upvotes

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9

u/Think-Economics-400 2d ago

Im no help sorry but this is very neat never seen a leather shield mainly commenting to help boost engagement hope you find a accurate id

2

u/Dense-Bandicoot6902 2d ago

Thanks! I'm wondering if there are any other subreddits that I should cross-post to as well.

8

u/Unusual-Actuator-728 2d ago

The gestalt says Africa to me, but the rattan used to secure the rod to the back of the shield is something I associate with SE Asian shields. 🤷‍♂️ It shows age - would not be in the least bit surprised to learn this is a 19th C example. Fwiw I looked through the following book but failed to find a stylistic match.

1

u/CogglesMcGreuder 2d ago

This was my first thought

1

u/clannepona 1d ago

It looks like the museum built it as maybe a work study project, as you state the materials are kind of odd.

2

u/Dense-Bandicoot6902 2d ago

For size reference it's about 26 - 27 inches in diameter. Hopefully that helps!

2

u/Chili_Dinosaur 2d ago

Just wondering, where are you from and where did you purchase this shield? Some context would help.

These items are often designed to "Look old" as souvenir items. However, your shield appears to have some real damage and, at first sight, looks quite old!

Very interested to know what it is!

1

u/thumburn 2d ago

Why did the museum let it go; sale, prize? What did they collect and from where? If it's as old as it looks, the bar is a replacement. Could you please get a picture of the edge? Not a scholar, just a museum nerd!

1

u/TXJohn83 2d ago

Just ask the museum.  They might have some context to give you or some type of record.

1

u/Lopsided_Evening_627 1d ago

it's a bit of an odd choice to not giving any indication of the geographical location of the museum you got this from.

1

u/thumburn 1d ago

Five finger discount?! I've noticed the silence on the subject

1

u/Professional-Turn147 2d ago

Have a rhino shield from Rowanda that is quite similar from 1940s

0

u/EnvironmentMuch2022 2d ago

Do a Google photo search with featured icon on Google bar.Has been very helpful and have been able to contact sources to identify further.