Description:

North America, United States, Southwest, New Mexico, ca. late 18th to first half of the 19th century CE. A sturdy rawhide shield known as a rodela that was used as an agile defensive tool while on horseback or in close-quarters combat. The shield is constructed from two circular panels attached along the periphery via thick leather cords, and a broad forearm strap is secured to the verso. The front panel bears a quartet of semicircular patterns surrounding a central circle. The rawhide rodela was adapted from steel versions employed by Spanish espadachinas (swordsmen) during the late 16th and early 17th centuries due to the scarcity of firearms in New Mexico at this time. A wonderful example enveloped with fine patina. Size: 12.375" L x 11.75" W (31.4 cm x 29.8 cm)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired between 2016 and 2017; ex-private Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA collection

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#155378

  • Condition: Damage to panel beneath forearm strap on verso. Minor tearing to some material on verso, with chipping to one circular area on obverse, and age-commensurate desiccation. Great patina throughout.

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May 7, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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