BALOCHISTAN SHIELD

Thick elephant hide, 10 ½” diameter, formed with a domed medial and the broad edge turned over to double the thickness. That was done with the hide wet and primitive, very powerful presses. The edges reinforced with engraved brass panels flanking groups of three rosettes (4 lacking). Reverse with wood hand grip. Fine uniform aging. Balochistan is an area lying partially within Persia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These shields are rarely encountered.