Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

  • Terrs Buckler

Terrs Buckler
Manga / Omani Arab
Omani Empire - Sultanate of Zanzibar (Zanzibar)
Last half 19th - Early 20th century (ca. 1860 - 1920)
Hide (rhinoceros), brass
Diameter: 23.5cm
Height: 15.2cm
Thickness: 1.3cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 423

Ex. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Private Collection (2024)

The Zanzibar terrs buckler, Omani in style, and popular in Zanzibar during the Omani Empire. It was widely traded throughout the Arab East African Coast into the horn of Africa. Used by the Manga, Omani Arabs from the region of Muscat, who emigrated to Zanzibar. This example is in great shape for its age.

The shield is composed of very thick rhinoceros hide finely turned on a lathe forming a series of concentric rings. Large domed boss at the center. Two ornamental brass four-pointed studs adorn each side to secure the handle. Hide handle on the reverse with brass mounts and ring. There would have originally been a hide belt attached to the inside ring on the handle, but these are extremely rare to find. Two such examples can be found in the British Museum.

Photograph 9: Voyage to the eastern coast of Africa: Executed during the years 1846, 1847, and 1848 by the brig Ducouëdic, under the command of M. Guillain.
(Voyage to the eastern coast of Africa: Executed during the years of 1846, 1847, and 1848 by the ship Ducouëdic, under the command of M. Guillain).