Nguni shield
Traditional cowhide shield used in southeastern Africa / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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A Nguni shield is a traditional, pointed oval-shaped, ox or cowhide shield which is used by various ethnic groups among the Nguni people of southern Africa. Currently it is used by diviners or for ceremonial and symbolic purposes,[1] and many are produced for the tourist market.[2] A cow-hide shield is known as isihlangu, ihawu or ingubha in Zulu,[3] and ikhaka or ikhawu in Xhosa.
Strictly speaking these native names denote shields of different application, and additional types are known by other names. War shields were traditionally stockpiled by a chief or king, to whom they belonged, while a smaller shield was reserved for his subordinates' personal daily use, or as a complement at their dancing ceremonies.
True Nguni shields are made of raw cattle hide,[4] as the esteemed Sanga-Nguni cattle lend distinction to the shields, which are more than mere commodities for physical protection.