Old Ethiopian Amhara tribal shield from Ethiopia.






With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
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Tribal Used African Old Ethiopian Amhara shield from Ethiopia, provenance Privécollectie, 47 cm in diameter, in good condition, with certificate of authenticity.
Description from the seller
Antique Ethiopian warrior shield with decorations.
Diameter: 47 cm.
This shield is dated in the first half of the 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
A large rounded Ethiopian shield made of leather that could be attributed to various Ethiopian warrior groups. Ethiopian shields come in a variety of designs and decorations (beads, silver strips, etc.). They are made from various materials including wood, metal, and vegetable fibers (rattan or raffia).
Leather is preferable because the hide is strong and resistant. The visual effect, functionality, and practical purposes of the piece dictated the form a shield should take. A good shield should offer maximum protection. The material used should be strong and durable. Almost all peoples of Africa made use of shields. In many cultures, shields like these were known as defensive weapons, used by warriors during combat. Shields were also displayed as emblems of status or rank, and also as accessories in dance during festivals, commemorative ceremonies, or after a victory.
See a similar example in the Musee Dapper's CHASSEURS ET GUERRIERS; AFRICA: The Art of a Continent, edited by Tom Phillips, (see p. 126 in the above-referenced volume and also, p. 69 in African Shields by Dieter Plaschke and Manfred A. Zirngibl), see also Marc Ginzberg. AFRICAN FORMS, pp. 168, 171
Seller's Story
Antique Ethiopian warrior shield with decorations.
Diameter: 47 cm.
This shield is dated in the first half of the 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
A large rounded Ethiopian shield made of leather that could be attributed to various Ethiopian warrior groups. Ethiopian shields come in a variety of designs and decorations (beads, silver strips, etc.). They are made from various materials including wood, metal, and vegetable fibers (rattan or raffia).
Leather is preferable because the hide is strong and resistant. The visual effect, functionality, and practical purposes of the piece dictated the form a shield should take. A good shield should offer maximum protection. The material used should be strong and durable. Almost all peoples of Africa made use of shields. In many cultures, shields like these were known as defensive weapons, used by warriors during combat. Shields were also displayed as emblems of status or rank, and also as accessories in dance during festivals, commemorative ceremonies, or after a victory.
See a similar example in the Musee Dapper's CHASSEURS ET GUERRIERS; AFRICA: The Art of a Continent, edited by Tom Phillips, (see p. 126 in the above-referenced volume and also, p. 69 in African Shields by Dieter Plaschke and Manfred A. Zirngibl), see also Marc Ginzberg. AFRICAN FORMS, pp. 168, 171
