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- An exceptionally decorative example of its type, this fine painted and gilt buffalo-hide shield was made both as a work of art and to be of practical use in the field. The gilt-metal bosses on the outer surface retain a padded textile hand-rest and straps on the inside. It is possible that such ornately-decorated Indian shields were made for presentation or as rich gifts. The buffalo hide would have been resistant to arrows and sword-cuts, but not bullets; nonetheless, as with swords, such items were owned and carried by tradition long after they had ceased to have any practical martial use.