What: A shield said to belong to Emperor Tewodros and “collected” on the expedition by intelligence officer Captain Speedy.

Where: The British Museum, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG

The catalogue entry includes a picture and describes a “composite shield, circular, of leather with elaborate metal ornamentation all over the front”. It adds: “Said to be King Theodore’s shield. See also Af1912,0410.28.”

Details
Museum number Af1939,09.1
Height: 51 cm
Width: 51 cm
Depth: 15 cm
Acquisition notes Collected by Capt.T.C.Speedy in Abyssinia during British Expedition, 1867-68.
Donated by: Mrs Henry Perrin Previous owner/ex-collection: Tewodros II, Emperor of Ethiopia Previous owner/ex-collection: Capt Tristram C S Speedy
Acquisition date: 1939