Konso Shield

South Central Ethiopia

Early 20th c

21 inches high x 6 1/2 inches wide

Ex: Owen Hargreaves, London

SOLD

This shield is made of leather with embossed patterns on the back.  Konso men carried leaf shaped shields that are tapered to a point on one end and supported by wooden poles used for carrying.  The shield is embossed with complex symmetrical patterns of stippled dots and lines.  A thick fold along the midrib helps to strengthen the shield. Larger shields were used for defensive purposes, this smaller example was used in dances.