Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Oromo-Sidama leather warrior's shield, 1875-1925

About the Item

Ethiopian leather warrior's shield made of molded hippopotamus hide. Among the Oromo and Sidama peoples of southern Ethiopia, hide-covered shields connote the courage of warriors and are important insignias of manhood. Such shields are often made of cape buffalo, or, more rarely, in hippopotamus hide, as is this shield. Skilled specialists mount the hide over a concave frame embedded with stones giving the dimensional effect. The reverse has a thick semicircular leather handle affixed to the shield with leather bands. This shield is a rare find and displays a dark brown patina that speaks to a century of use. This shield is a fine example with high relief and an intricate surface pattern that may have distinguished the status of the owner. Ethiopia, Southern Central region, late 19th/early 20th century.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 36.75 in (93.35 cm)Width: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900
  • Condition:
    Fine original condition. Mounted on a custom display stand. Wear commensurate with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Kenilworth, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 36581stDibs: LU6534236980422
More From This SellerView All
  • Wedgwood stoneware hunt jug, 1875
    By Wedgwood
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    Stoneware hunt jug with a white smear glaze and applied loop handle. The raised and highly detailed hunt scene encircles the jug above a reeded base. Stamped on the underside: Wedgw...
    Category

    Antique 1870s British Pitchers

    Materials

    Stoneware

  • Chinese black lacquered elm wine table, 1875
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    Black lacquered elm wood wine table with articulated hump back “bridge” apron rail. Chinese, Kuang Hsu Period, circa 1875.
    Category

    Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Serving Tables

    Materials

    Elm, Lacquer

  • Carved Wooden Eagle With Wings Spread, c. 1820
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    Carved wooden eagle with wings spread, standing on a rocky ledge. An architectural embellishment, the work is carved in Scotch pine with traces of the original paint on the rocky bas...
    Category

    Antique Early 19th Century Wall-mounted Sculptures

    Materials

    Pine

  • Pair of Vintage Steuben Blown Glass Dolphins
    By Steuben Glass
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    Pair of blown glass dolphins. Etched in the glass on the underside: Steuben. American, circa 1940.
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Animal Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • Large Forged Iron Carriage Wheel Rim Mounted on a Custom Iron Stand, 1800s
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    Large forged iron carriage wheel rim mounted on a custom forged and oxidized iron stand. American, 19th century.
    Category

    Antique 19th Century American Mounted Objects

    Materials

    Iron

  • American cast iron strap work carriage door hinge in the Romanesque taste, 1885
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    American cast iron strapwork style carriage door hinge in the Romanesque taste. Mounted on a custom iron stand. American, circa 1885. Condition: The hinge has a slight patina of rust and some surface marks are visible throughout. Wear commensurate with age and use. Materials: Cast Iron Dimensions: 27-3/4” W x 7” D (at base) x 36-3/4” H SKU: 5090 Tear sheets are available on request. SHIPPING & DELIVERY: The Federalist Antiques...
    Category

    Antique Late 19th Century American Industrial Mounted Objects

    Materials

    Iron

You May Also Like
  • Warrior with Shields Peace Gards Set of 2
    Located in Paris, FR
    Set of 2 Warrior with shields peace gards with a crystal rock. Sculptures of iron, helmets and shields ornamented with rock crystal, recognized as philosophical bond between man and ...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary French Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

    Materials

    Iron

  • Warrior Peace Guard with Shield, Limited Edition, 2016
    Located in Paris, FR
    Sculpture warrior peace guards with shields. Sculptures in wrought iron, helmets and shields ornamented with rock crystal, recognized as philosop...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary French Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Iron

  • Vintage Figurine of an African Warrior with Spear and Shield
    By Leopold Anzengruber
    Located in Bochum, NRW
    A very beautiful sculpture, displaying an African Warrior with shield and brass spear. Executed in the 1950s, reminding the design of Leopold Anzengruber. Made of black-finished plas...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Plaster

  • Brown Female Warrior w/Shield, on Carved Marble Base, German ca.1900
    Located in Petaluma, CA
    This unusual bronze really caught our attention. The seated female warrior perched high atop a marble base is a rare look in antique bronzes. The bronze...
    Category

    Antique Early 1900s German Other Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Marble, Bronze

  • Athletic bronze Warrior sculpture on marble base Greek figure with shield
    Located in Berlin, DE
    Athletic bronze Warrior sculpture on marble base Greek figure with shield Athletic Greek bronze warrior sculpture / figure with shield On wi...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century German Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Marble, Bronze

  • Warrior with Shields Peace Gards Sculpture in Box with Paul Goerg Champagne
    Located in Paris, FR
    Sculpture warrior with shields peace gards in box, with Paul Goerg champagne bottle. Numbered piece n°0328. Sculptures of iron, helmets and shields ornamented with rock crystal, ...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary French Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Iron

Recently Viewed

View All