Large Arrusi / Oromo Hide Shield, Ethiopia

The Arrusi and Borana tribes, of the Oromo group of people from south Ethiopia uses a heavy hide shields from Buffalo or Hipo skin.  Large circular shield with a central ridge encircled with radiant ribs and conical protrusions imitating in a way the bosses of Asian shields. The rear side is equipped with a thick hide handle.

Such a shield , probably Arrusi is offered for sale. 29 inches diameter. Very well made with all classical ridges and ribs. Very interesting is an old repair of a cut in the shield, may be made by an opponent spear. The cut was nicely sawn and repaired.