Ethiopian Shield-Form Ornamental Disc

Slightly crumpled and richly freckled, with a pointed central boss and tiny edge holes.

This shield-form ornamental brass disc is from Omo Valley, Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, valued for its warm golden color and for the ease with which it can be cast, hammered and polished. Shallow, slightly irregular disc with a small pointed boss at the center, and a few round holes near the rim. The surface is warm brown and gold, dotted with fine punch marks around the edge and light scratches. It is 0.8 inches deep and 4.4 in diameter.

Hammered, pierced and happily far from perfect.