Museum Explorer
Birds and beasts
in Africa
Lion's mane shield
From: Ethiopia
Date: mid-19th century AD
Today, wild lions live only in sub-Saharan Africa, the part of Africa just below the Sahara Desert. They live in grassy areas without many trees, sometimes called the savanna. Lions have long been considered brave and fierce, and because of this are often connected with strong rulers.
The Emperor of Ethiopia may have given this shield to one of his govenors, to thank him for his bravery when fighting for the Emperor. It is beautifully made of silver and velvet, and has a real lion's mane attached to it.
