Chawa Shield Oromo Culture, Ethiopia First Half Of The 20th Century Skin

SHIELD Chawa
Oromo culture, Ethiopia
First half of the 20th century
Skin
Diameter: about 72 cm

Circular shield in thick skin adorned with a median crest with radiating ribs. It is surrounded by six conical bumpy growths arranged symmetrically. A bumpy halo is repeated near the edge of the shield. The latter is hemmed. The entire surface is entirely punctuated with fine incisions.
Some visible old recoveries testify to its use.
The reverse is raw and centered with a thick handle.

These shields were made of hippopotamus or sometimes buffalo skin. Selected cut stones and elongated elements were placed warm on the ground according to the desired design. The skin yoke covered the composition and thus dried taking its relief in the sun. Some were then oiled or pigmented.