Shield

Description

rawhide, greyish brown patina, white pigment, of rectangular form with raised middle ridge, painted with circles and semicircles, firm rotan handle fixed with plant fibre, slightly dam., some water spots;
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.