Accession No
1929.427
Description
A chief's shield, used as a mark of distinction. Conical shape, made from leather coated in purple velvet, and decorated with embossed brass bands, plaques and small domes, fixed to the shield with split back rivets. The thick leather handle on the reverse is sewn through the front of the shield with hide thongs, and has a strap of leather tied to it.
Place
Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Addis Ababa
Period
Source
Unwin, Joseph Daniel (Dr) [field collector and donor]
Department
Anth
Reference Numbers
1929.427; MAA: 1996.357 [Cons. Lab no]
Cultural Affliation
Material
Hide; Leather; Cloth; Metal; Brass
Local Term
Measurements
480mm
Events
Context (Production / use)
Catalogue card: 'A chief's shield'
Event Date 1929
Author: Emily Shorter
Context (Field collection)
Catalogue card: 'Obtained in Addis Ababa'
Event Date 1929
Author: Emily Shorter
Context (Acquisition Details)
Collected and donated by J. D. Unwin of Peterhouse College
Event Date 1929
Author: maa
Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Hide shield covered with purple velvet and decorated with brass plaques.'
Event Date 1929
Author: maa
Context (Production / use)
Shields of this type, embellished with silver rather than brass, were given by the Emperor to provincial governors or Rases as marks of distinction.
Event Date 9/1996
Author: Emily Shorter
Description (Physical description)
A chief's shield, used as a mark of distinction. Conical shape, made from leather coated in purple velvet, and decorated with embossed brass bands, plaques and small domes, fixed to the shield with split back rivets. The thick leather handle on the reverse is sewn through the front of the shield with hide thongs, and has a strap of leather tied to it.
Event Date 25/2/2022
Author: Emily Shorter
FM:105960
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