Metal Plated Leather Shield, Tafa or Gasha
Amhara, Ethiopia
Leather, tin, silver
Early 20th century

The Amhara are a large ethnic group who mostly inhabit the Ethiopian highlands. They made round leather shields studded with silver plate appliqués and gilded silver plates. These shields were called tafa or gasha, and were status symbols for Ethiopian warriors, indicating his rank, military skills, and accolades (Zirngibl & Kubetz, Panga Na Visu. 2009). 

17.75 in :: 45 cm

InventoryID #13-2263

SOLD