Shield 19th century
Wood, leather, velvet and gold | 20.0 x 46.0 x 46.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 69678
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A circular hide shield covered in purple velvet and decorated with filigree roundels and panels; the rim is bound with silver gilt strips and it is lined in faded black leather with attached handle. It is accompanied by a leather retaining strap and cloth cover.
East African shields were typically round in form and made from thick hide, but the addition of fine silver decoration was a unique development among Ethiopian royal courts.Provenance
Sent to King George V on the occasion of his coronation by Emeperor Menelik of Abyssinia in 1911. The shield is depicted in the Illustrated London News on 9 September 1911 as item no. 9 of 'Coronation Gifts to His Majesty from Emperor Menelik of Abyssinia'. This and the other Abyssinian gifts were lent to the Board of Education for exhibition at the Bethnal Green Museum in 1911; they were subsequently dispatched to the Tower in 1958 and later sent on long-term loan to the Horniman Museum in 1967.
Previously recorded with the provenance 'Possibly among the items sent to Queen Victoria by King Sahle Sellasie of Shoa and presented to her by Captain William Harris in August 1843.' -
Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Wood, leather, velvet and gold
Measurements
20.0 x 46.0 x 46.0 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
Tafa gašša
Place of Production
Amhara [Ethiopia]
