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Shield (Dhàl)

about 1750
Not on view
Shields of thick, extremely hard ox, antelope, or rhinoceros hide were often preferred in India over those made of steel. The small size of this example, with its deeply convex profile and turned-out edges that could snare an opponent’s weapon, suggests a date after about 1750. The black lacquered surface is decorated with raised medallions containing a Persian poem referring to “the garden of Bengal,” indicating that it was probably made in that province in northeast India.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shield (Dhàl)
  • Date: about 1750
  • Geography: Bengal
  • Culture: Indian, Bengal
  • Medium: Leather, lacquer, iron, silver, textile
  • Dimensions: Diam. 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 2 oz. (1435 g)
  • Classification: Shields
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.649
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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