"Omani Combat Shield Known As Terr - Oman Or Zanzibar, 19th Century"
Omani battle shield, known as a "terr" shield - Oman or Zanzibar, 18th-19th century. This shield is made from a single piece of very thick, compressed and molded animal hide. The hides generally used were those of the rhincoceros, elephant, hippopotamus, and water buffalo. The shield is decorated in its center with a sheet of chased and embossed silver. Also on the display face are two bronze stars used to rivet the handle to the back. The handle is made of the same animal hide. Traces of use are visible around the edge. Diameter approximately 25.5 cm, Depth approximately 15 cm, Weight 1050 g