Auctions Imperial 2017 May Arms & Armor
Lot 186:
Description
Bornu work, very seldom-encountered. Of characteristic form, composed of a series of handwrought steel plates connected by rivets, completely covering the torso and shoulders, with applied brass studs to the reverse and much original finish. 17th century or later. Some wear, minor corrosion. The Bornu Empire was founded c. 1400 in what is now Northeast Nigeria, and endured until the late 19th century. By the 16th century, strong Arab and Turkish military influence had led to the development of a fearsome, elite plate-armored Bornu cavalry. For quite similar see the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art arms and armor collection: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/26601 and G. Stone, A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor (1934: Portland. Southworth.) p. 69. Overall height 48.5cm. Condition III
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