The Amhara, from northwest Ethiopia, had a solidly structured and hierarchical army as early as the mid-19th century. They were the ones who unified Ethiopia to establish it as an empire. Warfare was a way of life for them. They invented a highly effective double-edged sword (shotel) and carried large round shields (tafa or gasha) made of buffalo, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus hide. The handle is wide enough for the warrior to slide it along the entire length of his arm up to the shoulder. After the introduction of firearms, the Amhara continued to manufacture ornate ceremonial shields adorned with silver, brass, semi-precious stones, etc. This war specimen is most likely from the early 20th century or even older. Nearly perfectly round, it has developed a beautiful uniform patina and remains in excellent condition. Total height with stand 57 cm. Bibliographic source: Boucliers d'Afrique, d'Asie du Sud-Est et d'Océanie du musée Barbier-Mueller - Adam Biro, 1998