A SUDANESE HIDE SHIELD

A rare and interesting example probably dating to the Anglo-Sudanese war of 1885. Evidently collected in 1901 and with numerous notes to the back including two attempts to spell INDIA and AFGHAN. Owner’s name S G GUY as well. The umbo with black and red annular decoration. The front with typical, and profuse embossed decoration. These bucklers (hand shields) are specifically associated with the Sudanese War under the Mad Mahti of 1885. It likely was brought to India by a reassigned English officer and its identity was lost after his death. Interestingly, some of these genuine antique examples were used in the movie Braveheart, owing to their similarity to Scottish Targes.