Shield

ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields

Culture Yi

Datelate 19th Century

Made AtSichuan Province, China, Asia

Made AtGuizhou Province, China, Asia

Made AtYunnan Province, China, Asia

MediumWood, leather and polychrome

Dimensions19 × 22 1/2 × 3/4 in. (48.3 × 57.2 × 1.9 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2017.10.140

DescriptionAs with many other Chinese minority groups, Yi culture has developed around costume and accessory. Especially during what’s been described as ‘The Heroic Age of the Yi,’ young men proved their worth through shows of bravery and prowess in combat either against other cultural groups or in the resolution of feuds. The Yi’s buffalo hide armor and distinctive shields were intrinsic to this. Made by covering wood in rawhide and then painting it with black, yellow, and red paints, the finished shield was an effective bulwark against melee and ranged weaponry until the advent of firearms. The manufacture of armor was the closely guarded secret of certain families.

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