Ethiopian Shield-Form Ornamental Disc

Plain, round and slightly dented, with a pointed peg and two sets of holes.

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. Round, softly dished plate with a tall, tapered peg at the center. Two small holes sit near the top and two near the lower left. The rim is rolled and hammered, and the surface is warm brown with golden highlights. It is 0.8 inches deep and 4.2 in diameter.

Understated, practical and a little bit dented.