Antique Hide Somali Shield – Gãschãn – East Africa

19th century. Bleached and incised leather. Diameter: 32.3 cm (12.72″).

The surface of the hide is decorated with finely incised geometric patterns.

Somali warriors traditionally carried an iron spear, a short sword called belawa, and a shield known as gãschãn. These small Somali shields, typically made from giraffe or oryx hide, feature concentric circles and short parallel lines, combining functionality with distinctive ornamentation.

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