Battle shield "ayar"
North Africa, Tuareg
not available anymore
Size
H: 110 cm
B: 71 cm
H: 43.3 inch
B: 28.0 inch
Description
of rectangular form with curved upper rim, made of bleeched animal hide with curled rim, embellished with an incised emblem, a firm wooden handle wrapped with leather on the back, fixed by metal studs, which are concealed by cloth and metal applications to the front, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion and usage;
usually grasped by its handle using the left hand. Its size is such that it offers protection for the whole body. The most coveted Tuareg shields were made of oryx hide, which is supposedly tough enough to withstand sword cuts.
A comparable object, Fowler Museum, Ucla, Los Angeles, USA (GVR-Archive No 0078470).