Ethiopian Shield-Form Ornamental Disc

Dark gold, cloudy and round, with a tall peg and two holes at the bottom.

This shield-form ornamental brass disc is from Omo Valley, Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Discs and shield shapes appear in many African ornament traditions, where a flat polished surface catches the light and gives the wearer a bold, graphic outline. Circular plate with a smooth-topped central peg and two holes in the lower right, with two more at the top. The surface is a mottled, smoky gold and brown, and a row of fine dots decorates the rim. It is 0.7 inches deep and 4.25 in diameter.

Quiet colors, firm center, nothing to apologize for.