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Dhal (Shield)

Culture: Persian

Date: 17th - 18th century
Medium: steel, gold
Dimensions:
Overall: 18 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (47 x 8.9 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1930.401.1
This damascene steel shield would have been worn on the left arm to block sword or dagger strikes. The technique of damascene is metal, especially steel, profusely decorated with gold or silver inlays (koftghari). The dhal on display here is also richly chased with archaistic (archaic style) inscriptions. A center set of four domed “bosses” (studs) holds bolts on the back through which rope would have been strung in order to hold the shield.
In Collection(s)