- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Shield of hide. It is circular and domed with a raised rim. There are four metal bosses which are domed with notched edges. The hide is coated in a black coloured lacquer which has been embossed with floral motifs. There are two red fabric handles on the underside. [AB [OPS Move] 19/8/2016]
- Geographical reference
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 1850?, uncertain
- Date collected
- By 1850 ?
- Acquisition information
- Transferred: 1969
- Materials and processes
- Material Buffalo Cattle Skin Animal, Material Lacquer Varnish, Material Brass Metal, Process Lacquered Varnished, Process Moulded
- Dimensions
- Diameter: max 300 mm, Height: max 44 mm
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 1969.29.10
- Research and responses
Dhal were most commonly made of Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornus) rawhide, which was dried and lacquered, but not tanned. Rhinoceros hide was valued for shield-making because it could take on a striking translucent quality, and was harder and more durable than buffalo leather. The Asian rhinoceros was much more widely available for hunting prior to 1600 AD. The skin of the freshwater porpoise was occasionally also used for making shields in India, as were steel, wood, and papier maché. Four brass bosses are typical of Indian shields, which both protect and conceal the fixings that support the two handles inside. These straps were held in the hand during fighting. They had a third leather strap, or silk scarf, tied between them when not in use, so that the shield could be slung over the back when riding. This style of convex circular shield was used throughout western and southern Asia – particularly Persia – from the early 7th century AD onwards – although the characteristic four-bossed shape is distinctive to the Indian subcontinent. Relevant Reading: Robinson, H.R. (1967) Oriental Armour. London: Herbert Jenkins. Egerton of Tatton, Lord (1968) Indian & Oriental Armour. London: Arms & Armour Press. Welch, S.C. (1985) India: Art & Culture, 1300-1900. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Research Conducted for DCF Cutting Edge 2006/2007 [AM].
1969.29.10
Shield of hide. It is circular and domed with a raised rim. There are four metal bosses which are domed with notched edges. The hide is coated in a black coloured lacquer which has been embossed with floral motifs. There are two red fabric handles on the underside. [AB [OPS Move] 19/8/2016]
1969.29.10
Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford
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