Ethiopian Shield-Form Ornamental Disc

Studded and speckled, with seven bumps and a frosting of pale corrosion.

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. Oval plate holding a center boss surrounded by several smaller pointed bumps. A few round holes pierce the lower edge, and a ring of tiny dots runs around the rim. The grey-brown surface is dusted with pale, crusty spots. It is 0.3 inches deep and 4.4 in diameter.

A bit weathered, and wearing the crust like a badge.