- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Circular shield of red-lacquered animal hide, with central boss. Four brass studs attach the two grips (one wood, one leather) to the back of the shield. [LM 27/03/2007]
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 1920
- Date collected
- August 1917
- Acquisition information
- Donated: 1920
- Materials and processes
- Material Animal Hide Skin, Material Lacquer Varnish, Material Wood Plant, Material Brass Metal, Process Lacquered Varnished
- Dimensions
- Diameter: max 435 mm
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 1920.55.19
- 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].
1920.55.19
Circular shield of red-lacquered animal hide, with central boss. Four brass studs attach the two grips (one wood, one leather) to the back of the shield. [LM 27/03/2007]
On display
1920.55.19
Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford
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