Photographs © Tim Hamill
ETHIOPIAN, SHIELD 2, 26", $400
In traditional Africa, shields were used not only as defensive weapons, but also as decorative or ritual objects filled with symbolic meaning. They can be carved from wood, woven, made from a variety of hides and even metal. Most Ethiopian shields are made from a very thick, tough leather, said to be hippopotamus hide. It is stretched over (often elaborate) wood forms, dried and removed.
[RETURN TO ETHIOPIAN SHIELDS PAGE]
[RETURN TO AFRICAN SHIELDS PAGE]
[RETURN TO HOME PAGE] [CONTACT GALLERY] [ORDERING] [HYPERLINKS]