Shield

Item number K4.357 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Rhinoceros hide shield. Circular, brown piece with a conical point in the middle of the exterior and a wide rim. Exterior has four concentric bands of perpendicular stripes. Interior has a handle.

History Of Use

Somali shields, or gaashaan, tend to have a raised central section and an inwardly curving lip that protect against spear thrusts, stones or minor missiles. The concentric patterns that decorate many were carried over from patterns used on grass and straw shields. In addition to being used in combat, the shields were used in traditional ceremonies. In the Habar-Awal, a sub-clan of the Isaaq, bridegrooms received shields on their wedding days.