Shield

Description

rawhide, greyish brown patina, encrusted in some areas, of rectangular form with raised middle ridge, firm rotan handle wrapped with leather straps, loop for support, painted with white pigment (cross- , zigzag- and rhomb-shaped motifs), slightly dam. (rims), abrasion of paint;
such raw hide shields were used in war and had an important role as ceremonial symbols as well. They usually were made of elephant hides or those of some varieties of buffalo. They appear in the hands of the most expert dancers during the ritual dances on the occasion of funerals and are placed on the graves of the warriors.