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This is a rare antique Indian Fakir's horned sheild - a Madu - that probably dates to the 18th century. A Fakir, being a holy man, wasn't permitted to carry weapons, but could carry one of these, a Madu, a parrying shield that just happened to have steel or iron tipped horns. The shield is iron or steel and has the traditional 4 bosses and crescent which are made of brass and a brass rim that is riveted around the edge. The antelope horns have iron or steel buttings and tips. The shield measures about 8 inches in diameter and the overall size is about 22 1/2 inches from tipped horn to tipped horn. Each horn, with butting and tip, measures about 19 inches long. Being unfamiliar with this type of piece and, at it's age, I don't know how to judge condition. There is wear and there are a few places of cracking on the horns, though I'm not sure this isn't natural, but no repairs that I see ...... $700.00