INDIAN PARRYING SHIELD

INDIAN PARRYING SHIELD, MADU
c. First half of the 19th century / India

This is a rare and early Indian combination weapon, madu. On rare occasions some military objects are repurposed as both weapons and protective parrying objects, like the madu. It consists of so called fakhir’s horns (antelope horns) with reinforced and sharp metal tips pointing to oppsoite directions, leaving space for the handle in the middle. The handle is protected and centered by a small parrying shield made of steel. The shield is a basic lahore type, with four bosses and a gilded border, but it is noticeably smaller compared to a typical lahore.
Generally, we see late 19th century madu shields made of copper, which represent more or less the touristic part of weapon manufactury. Our object, however, is a very rare type that was made for real action, and its protective and fighting abilities were enhanced and made in quality.
There are two small holes in the center of the shield, and unfortunately we do not know the purpose of them or the possible decorations that might have been attached to them.

Total length 48 cm
Shield diameter 15,5 cm
Weight 563 grams

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