Very Fine Silver Mounted Amhara hield from Ethiopia

Amharas are ethnic group traditionally inhabiting parts of the northern and central highlands of Ethiopia that formed the famous Abyssinian Empire going back 3000 years to biblical times of King Solomon and Queen Sheba. The first Amhara Solomonic King was Melinik I and the last was   Emperor Haile Selassie that was Murdered in 1974. The Amhara people were the dominant power in Ethiopia because of their Economic wealth and deep culture and heritage. They are Christian and formed second largest Ethnic group in Ethiopia.

The Amhara people use their shields not only as a weapon but also as a symbol of wealth and importance.  Hence the efforts invested in decorating the shields.

The very fine shield offered here has a conical shape, hide based set on top with many radial silver strips and a central engraved round silver panel, two silver crosses and four silver dome caps. The inner face is covered with red colored leather and mounted with a heavy hide handle.

Diameter 19 inches (49 cm) and 7 inches (18cm) tall. Very good condition. Rare fine shield, first quarter of the 20C.