Original Victorian Era Indo-Persian Rhinoceros or Leather Hide Dhal Shield
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Original Item: Only One Available. Dating from the second half of the 1800s this measures just 18” in diameter and was used as a parrying shield in hand to hand combat by the Sudanese Dervish Warriors and by the indigenous native populations right across the Islamic world including India.
Known as a DHAL, the ones from India tended to be made all of metal and the Sudanese and Persian ones of Rhino hide. This is a particularly nice leather example decorated in the center engraved/stamped ring motifs. This includes the traditional four large bosses which support the four rings on the rear through, which have what appear to be monk heads. Usually there would be cords attached that bound the shield to the warriors left hand, however these are unfortunately missing, but the four rings and pad on the other side are retained, with a flower stitched onto the pad. Now not often encountered, most that are available were taken back to England by returning Victorian Soldiers.
Very attractive providing good decoration, Victorian era DHAL Shield.
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