Authentic leather shield Amarro Arousi

The Arussi and Amarro tribes of south-central Ethiopia used dark round shields made of buffalo and hippo skin for defensive purposes. This exceptional hippo skin shield is finely crafted with a thick embossed centre rib with parallel lines, decorative embossed buttons and a robust, curved handle at the back. These sturdy and thick-walled shields were held horizontally by warriors.

Almost all peoples of Africa made use of the shield. In many cultures, shields like this were known as a defensive weapon, used by the warriors during combat, but shields were also displayed as emblems of status or rank and also as accessories of dance during festivals or commemorative ceremonies or after a victory.