Persian Of Indo-persian Manufacture

Persian buckler, Indo-Persian manufacture, Qajar Dynasty, early 19th century.

Iron.

Measurements: cm. 50

The buckler is an example of a dahl, a small Indo-Persian shield common among Rajput warriors, originally from the current Indian region of Rajasthan. The four ambos arranged in a square and its perfectly round shape give it a unique appearance. Originally, the dahl was made of animal skin and decorated with paintings and metals and supported with one hand only by straps; the choice of a light material was necessary to ensure that the warrior could defend himself without encumbrances. This shield is instead made of iron, indicating its purely decorative function. Its surface is finely chiseled and engraved with floral decorations, human figures and verses from the Koran in Arabic letters.