SOLD Antique 17th century Mongol Tatar Tibetan Shield Kalkan

SOLD  Rare Antique 17th century massive combat Mongol -Tatar wicker shield (Kalkan). A circular convex body formed of a spiral construction of rattan – bound wicker, and fitted with a large  central iron boss of convex form, and reinforced with elaborate iron fittings. The inner face set with three iron rings for suspension. 

Some of these shields appear on international antiquarian markets described as Tibetan shields, as many of these shields were found in Tibetan monasteries, which were donated over the centuries, together with other armour, including lamellar armor and helmets, as votive donation. For a decade there were no serious studies of the armor from Tibetan monasteries, until recently, when arms historians classified the armor, shields, and helmets, as Mongol –Tatar. Many of the so called Tibetan helmets, shields, and armour, are published in the book “BRON I UZBROJENIE TATAROW” (Tatar Arms and Armour) by Jacek Gutowski. From the Robert Hales collection a complete Tatar Warrior on horse with a large wicker shield in his left arm, as this particular example, was presented by the Victoria & Albert Museum, and was described as Tatar, which is a proper assessment of the object as Tibet was part of the Mongol-Tatar Empire, and Tibetan contingents were a part of the Tatar army, and used Tatar armor.

Some of these types of eastern wicker shields were made for high rank officers, as luxurious parade shields with wicker bound in silk thread, and decorated with gold inlaid fittings. This particular example is a typical combat shield of heavy structure with simple iron fittings.

REFERENCES: Two similar examples of Mongolo Tatars wicker shields rattan bound are published in the book “BRON I UZBROJENIE TATAROW “(Tatar Arms and Armour)by Jacek Gutowski. Page: 74. No 2 Page: 89. No 25. The Buyer will be provided with copies of the pages from the mentioned book along with the certificate of authenticity.

DIAMETER: 66.7cm (26 1/4 in).

CONDITION: In good condition considering the age, with signs of usage, and wear to the rattan bounding.