Leather Shield with Geometric Designs
Ari (Aari) / Baka, Ethiopia
African Buffalo leather
Early 20th century

This obscure shield is most likely composed of African water buffalo hide. It comes from the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia, home to the Ari (Aari) and Baka. According to a 2007 census, there are 289,835 ethnic Ari in Ethiopia, which makes up only 0.29% of the country's total population (Wikipedia, "Aari people," 2021). 

30.5 in :: 77 cm

InventoryID #13-1893

SOLD