Shield (Dhàl)

North Indian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 380

Thick hide, dried and stiffened, may be the oldest material used by humans for personal defense. This shield, a type wielded by hunters throughout the Indian subcontinent, features hide shaped into a shallow dome and fitted with gilt and jeweled raised ornamentation. The maker skillfully lacquered the uncured skin to help preserve it. Surprisingly, the shield is translucent and glows warmly when held to the light.

Shield (<i>Dhàl</i>), Hide, gilt bronze, enamel, lacquer, jewels, textile (velvet), North Indian

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Overall

Shield (<i>Dhàl</i>), Hide, gilt bronze, enamel, lacquer, jewels, textile (velvet), North Indian
Shield (<i>Dhàl</i>), Hide, gilt bronze, enamel, lacquer, jewels, textile (velvet), North Indian
Shield (<i>Dhàl</i>), Hide, gilt bronze, enamel, lacquer, jewels, textile (velvet), North Indian

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