Ethiopian Shield-Form Ornamental Disc

Six studs around a central boss, with the holes tucked at the left.

This shield-form ornamental brass disc is from Omo Valley, Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Peoples of the Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia are widely known for body adornment, and metal ornaments often help express age, status and community. Broad, uneven plate in warm copper pink. A larger boss at the center is ringed by six smaller raised studs. Two holes sit at the upper right, and two more at the left. A light dotted border runs along the rim. It is 0.3 inches deep and 4.7 in diameter.

Studs arranged like a very tidy and slightly dented flower.