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1913.31.40

Rectangular shield of white oryx hide with two points at the top.

On display

1913.31.40

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Collection type
Object
Description
Rectangular shield of white oryx hide with two points at the top.
Long description
Rectangular shield of white oryx hide with two points at the top. Incised linear design infilled with black, over which are applied shapes of red woollen textile and four copper alloy bosses (two round, two four-pointed stars). The design is outlined by thin strips of leather, mostly missing. There is a wooden grip on the back of the shield.
Geographical reference
Nigeria
Africa > Western Africa > Nigeria
Cultural groups
Asben
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1911
Date collected
1910 - 1911
Acquisition information
Donated: 1913
Materials and processes
Material Antelope Hide Skin Animal, Material Pigment, Material Copper Alloy Metal, Material Wool Textile Animal, Process Painted, Process Woven, Process Incised, Process Appliqué
Dimensions
Length: max 1310 mm, Width: max 730 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1913.31.40
Research and responses

The following notes are drawn from research compiled by Andy Mills as part of the DCF Cutting Edge project in 2006-2007.

Made of white oryx hide, dried in the sun to make it thick and hard, and then shaved to remove the fur. The oryx hide indicates that this shield – although collected in Kano, Northern Nigeria - was probably made in Elakkos or Damergu, further north on the border with Niger. Oryx hide is extremely strong, and turns most sword cuts and spear thrusts. The oryx was interpreted as a symbol of military victory throughout the southern Sahara.

Tuareg shields are too large to wield on the arm, or move quickly, and in combat were held relatively rigidly by a strap two-thirds of the way up the shield. Camel saddles were carved with a special hook to suspend the shield when not in use.

This example was collected in 1910 or 1911, at a time when the arrival of firearms in the region was starting to cause the abandonment of shields by Tuareg warriors. [El.B 13/06/2008]

Local name 'ayar' found in Chris Spring (1993) African Arms and Armour, p.29

Search terms: Weapon, Religion, Shield, Amulet

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