This so-called isihlangu battle shield was acquired during the Anglo-Zulu War and comes from the collection of a British regimental historian. Made during the second half of the 19th century and comprised of hide, wood and black hair, it will be offered in a sale of African and Oceanic Art at Edinburgh saleroom Lyon & Turnbull on May 1.
The original bearer of the 3ft 9in (1.15m) shield was part of a group named the umCijo (or ‘the sharp ones’), who fought at the famous battles of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift.