Tutsi Leather Shield

A shield with a waist, which turns out to be very sensible indeed.

This shield is attributed to the Tutsi peoples of Rwanda or Burundi, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is rattan and leather, from Uganda, Central Africa. Shields of tightly woven plant fiber are well known across the Great Lakes region, light enough to carry and springy enough to turn a blow. This one flares at top and bottom into pointed corners, with a concave waist between. A central rib of bound fiber runs the full height, with a grip on the inner face. The weave is a deep red-brown. It is 32.5 inches wide and 38 high.

Light to carry, and fully committed to the job.