Antique Indian Shield Madu India Parrying and Thrusting Buckler

Antique Indian parrying and thrusting Buckler / Shield, Madu (Maru, Singuata), Northern India late 18th century - early 19th century. The shield consists of a pair of massive blackbuck antelope horns mounted parallel, with the points outwards on the back of the small, circular convex form, steel buckler covered with brass, finely pierced, and engraved with, flowers and perching birds amongst creeper foliage. Fitted with four domed scallop’s bosses and with a reinforced rim. The Madu was a weapon usually wielded in the left hand, with a spear, dagger, or sword held in the right.

This particular type of weapon combination was used defensively by Fakirs and Mendicants who were generally not allowed to carry traditional weapons, and also a weapon favored by the Marathas and was popular amongst the Bhil peoples in West India and seen as the largest tribal group in India. Bhils are listed as indigenous people of the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan—all in the western Deccan regions and central India—as well as in Tripura in far-eastern India,

CONDITION: In very good condition, considering its age.

MEASUREMENTS: Over length; 86 cm (33.86 Inches).

Diameter of the shield: 22 cm. (8.66 inches).

This is a much better quality Madu, than an average example of this type of weapon, combining the function of a combat weapon and a piece of Indian Moghul artwork. Such quality examples are very rare, and hardly even seen in museums collections. Please see the link below.

http://otagomuseum.nz/collection/F46.25

REFERENCES: (1) "Arms and Armour Traditional Weapons of India" by E. Jaiwant Paul. (2) "A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armour in All Countries and in All Times" By George Cameron Stone.

The buyer will receive a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.