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Shield of dome shaped leather with dark fabric (velvet) cover, rolled brass cut outs attached with brass studs in concentric patterns, with a central raised pedestal ending in a flat disk.
Shield (Tafà Gašša)
Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Shield (Tafà Gašša)

Maker Ethiopian Artist
Date19th-20th century
Place of originEthiopia, Africa
MediumBrass, cloth, hide
Dimensions6 3/4 × 19 × 19 in. (17.1 × 48.3 × 48.3 cm)
ClassificationsFurnishings and Equipment
Credit LineGift of Drs. John and Nicole Dintenfass
Object number2016.86.23
Collections
Visual DescriptionShield of dome shaped leather with dark fabric (velvet) cover, rolled brass cut outs attached with brass studs in concentric patterns, with a central raised pedestal ending in a flat disk.
Ortices phase, standing male figure holding large, arched shield that covers all of body, upraised hand holds club, head is wrapped in bands of material-design, crossing over forehead, extending across chin, headdress extends upwards, flares out in circle with multiple lobes, check pattern (sunflower?) in middle.
Mexican Artist
300 - 100 B.C.
Forged curved blade with blunt end, and cast brass handle; cut out depiction of a chameleon on the inner curve, and cross cut-out in center of blade, with words engraved above: MK Balogu; Kent I of AL on one side and 23. 9 47 XX   MK Balogu AL on the opposite side. Engraved images of fish, serpents and possibly a frog, with borders of small circles. Edge of blade has rings, possible for attaching crotal bells (now missing).
Fon Artist
20th century
Round brass tray.  Rolled brass.
Somali Artist
20th century
Wooden frame with metal studs, metal finials and chair back; hide seat and back.
Asante Artist
early 20th century
Heavy cast brass bracelet with large central disk and smaller disks/bosses and hemicycle patterns.
Kru Artist
20th century
Round saucer; depression for holding cup; highly worn surface, rolled and pressed brass.
Somali Artist
20th century
Round saucer; depression for holding cup; highly worn surface, rolled and pressed brass.
Somali Artist
20th century
Round saucer; depression for holding cup; highly worn surface, rolled and pressed brass.
Somali Artist
20th century
Round saucer; depression for holding cup; highly worn surface, rolled and pressed brass.
Somali Artist
20th century
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