Battle shield ·  Ethiopia, Southwestern Region, Amarro, Ometo, Arussi · ID: 3050158

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Description

animal skin, thick black patina (mixture of earth and ox blood),

These shields were crafted from the hides of the rhinoceros, buffalo or hippopotamus in a laborious and time consuming process.

The creators are believed to be the inhabitants of the islands of Gatame and Gidico in Lake Abaya, who usually received food, tools and other essentials in exchange for the shields.

The shields were used by the Amarro, who were known to be particularly warlike, the Arussi and Gurage.

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Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 34 AHDRC 0176765 (Bowers Museum 2021)

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Publications

Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Alexander Kubetz, "panga na visu", Riedlhütte 2009, p. 241, ill. 581

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