Kalkan (shield)

Culture Turkish

Date1800s

Mediumwood, iron, textile, leather and brass

Dimensions40 cm diameter (15 3/4 in.), 4 lb, 13 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.86

DescriptionBody is of basketry, consisting of some sort of reed (perhaps cane?) wrapped in colored thread; the rim is bound with leather. There is a fabric lining inside. The grip is composed of three plaited leather straps, of which the middle one is significantly thicker; 1 side strap is broken. The grip and hand-pad are riveted to the shield by eight iron loops with washers; each loop supports a ring, and the side straps are attached to four of these. The other loops serve no obvious functional purpose, and similar eight loop/washer/ring arrangements, also apparently non-functional, are to be found around the circumference of the buckler.

The front has an incised brass boss resting on a fabric base, secured in place by heavy crossed iron bars. S-curved bars radiate from the boss. Around the edge is an iron rim (partly restored), bearing rather a rather random decoration of punched dots. The basketwork threads show a faded pattern of blue-checked lozenges on a red ground.
Label TextIslamic arms and armor tended to be lighter than its medieval European counterparts, reflecting a style of warfare that emphasized speed over power. Small round shields were in use throughout the Islamic regions from Africa to India. Some were made of steel, but the kalkan was woven from reeds, like a basket. This made for a light shield that was could be moved quickly to deflect enemy weapons. The construction was reinforced with metal fittings to make it more sturdy. Traces of the original colored decoration can still be seen.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on May 9, 1945 from Thomas Woroniecki (NYC), his no. 2115. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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