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1884.30.48

Convex circular shield of coloured cotton work, decorated with a copper cross and four brass bosses. [LM 14/3/2007]

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1884.30.48

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Collection type
Object
Description
Convex circular shield of coloured cotton work, decorated with a copper cross and four brass bosses. [LM 14/3/2007]
Long description
Convex circular shield of coloured cotton work, decorated with a copper cross and four brass bosses. Technique resembles twining. Bosses have serrated edges and punched dot and circle motif. Shield is edged with a strip of iron. On the back is a skin pad stuffed with cotton [this has been conserved] with two padded cloth grips attached with iron links. [LM 14/3/2007]
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1862
Date collected
By 1862
Acquisition information
Donated: 1884
Materials and processes
Material Animal Hide Skin, Material Cotton Seed Fibre Textile Plant, Material Copper Metal, Material Brass Metal, Material Iron Metal, Process Dyed, Process Punched, Process Twined Woven
Dimensions
Diameter: max 400 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1884.30.48 PR Cat other PR nos: 93 PR Cat other PR nos: 44
Research and responses

Despite the original Accession Book entry I am not convinced that the main part of the shield is made of hide. [LM 14/3/2007]. 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].

Search terms: Weapon, Shield

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