shield

Circular hide shield (or gaschan), incised line pattern, plain boss. Plain hide handle tied to the shield with leather binding. Made of hippo, buffalo, camel, giraffe or rhino hide. Used by soliders or warriors. Large handgrip, worn pushed up on forearm when not in use.
Although small, these shields were very strong, and could be used effectively to protect against spear thrusts and sword parries.