Old iron African Turkana Shield. This shield dates to the early to mid 20th century and has a nice patina.

Traditionally made of animal hide, the Turkana of Kenya developed iron shields which were, in the words of older informants, safer, lighter and far better in combat than hide shields. These shields were made to be bulletproof and may have offered some protection against old muzzle loaders.

The ban on inter-clan warfare in the mid 20th century, stopped the making of these leather and metal shields - making this shield very collectible.

Measures 84 x 31 cm.

Weight 2.9 kg