About this artwork
For peoples in the peninsula of northeast Africa, hide-covered shields connote the courage of warriors and are important insignia of manhood. Among the Oromo and Sidaama peoples of southern Ethiopia, such shields are made of buffalo or, more rarely, hippopotamus hide by skilled specialists who mount the hide over a concave frame embedded with stones. At a man’s funeral his shield and spear may be carried by a male relative or displayed in his memory.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Oromo
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Title
- Shield
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Place
- Ethiopia (Object made in)
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Date
- 1875–1925
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Medium
- Hide
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Dimensions
- Approx.: H.: 76.2 cm (30 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Muriel Kallis Newman in honor of James Cuno
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Reference Number
- 2004.474
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
