Richly decorated in gold with a series of hunting scenes and portrait figures around its border, this Sikh shield was probably made shortly after the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839, to commemorate and glorify his long and successful reign.

Each of the portraits identifies, besides the ruler himself, most of the major figures of his government, court and family and family.

The four shield bosses retaining the hand-grips on the inside are set with cabochon jewels. The shield survives in amazingly good condition, with the gold relatively unworn and the rich red velvet of the backing, complete with hand-grips, perfectly intact.

Although principally decorative, this shield was certainly useable as an item of protective armour, but it is more likely that its principal function was ceremonial; it would have been carried on important occasions as a rich accessory indicative of warrior/nobleman status. It could also have been carried whilst out hunting.

It was also an important part of social occasions, and as such formed an important part of a nobleman's life and role in society. In particular, it provided a significant opportunity to display one's wealth or power and status.
[cat. no. OA2188]