Black Leather Dhal

Object/Artifact

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Leviathan: The Archit Patel Collection

The image depicts an old, round shield with a weathered, dark surface, featuring four evenly spaced, rusty metal bosses arranged in a square pattern. The shield rests on a light-colored, textured stone or marble background, showcasing noticeable wear and aging marks. The metal bosses are slightly raised, indicating their function as reinforcement or decorative elements. The overall appearance suggests that the shield has historical significance or has been used extensively, contributing to its distressed condition. The contrast between the dark shield and the light background highlights

The image depicts an old, round shield with a weathered, dark surface, featuring four evenly spaced, rusty metal bosses arranged in a square pattern. The shield rests on a light-colored, textured stone or marble background, showcasing noticeable wear and aging marks. The metal bosses are slightly raised, indicating their function as reinforcement or decorative elements. The overall appearance suggests that the shield has historical significance or has been used extensively, contributing to its distressed condition. The contrast between the dark shield and the light background highlights

Name/Title

Black Leather Dhal

Entry/Object ID

378; Full Code: 378.37.57-TL-NB

Tags

Tools

Description

This is an authentic Antique Dhaal, the traditional buckler of the Indian subcontinent, dating to the 19th century. Measuring approximately 19 inches in diameter, this specimen is a textbook example of high-utility defensive engineering. Unlike the ornate steel shields found in courtly settings, this "Field Grade" Dhaal is constructed from cured organic hide, optimized for the mechanical "process" of deflecting high-velocity sword strikes. Core Components & Engineering The Medium (Organic Hide): Historically, these shields were crafted from the hide of a Rhinoceros, Water Buffalo, or Elephant. The Process: The hide was translucent when raw, then boiled in oil and lacquered to achieve a near-metallic hardness. This results in a material that is significantly lighter than steel but possesses superior impact-absorption properties. Condition: The surface shows a deep, honest patina with some historical "crazing" (fine surface cracks), proving its age and period-correct seasoning. The Bossettes (Steel Umbos): The face features four domed steel bossettes, arranged in a square. In your professional framework of "Operational Certainty," these are the primary mechanical anchors. They are not merely decorative; they house the internal rings for the handle straps and protect the wielder’s knuckles from the vibration of a heavy blow. The Geometry (Convex Profile): The Dhaal features a shallow, consistent curve. * Deflection Physics: This convex shape ensures that a direct strike rarely lands at a 90-degree angle. Instead, the force is "shed" or glided off to the side, protecting the wielder’s arm from the full kinetic "input" of the attack. Internal Suspension: The reverse side retains the four iron rings and remnants of the original leather or fabric padding. The square arrangement allows for a cross-grip, ensuring the shield remains stabilized during high-torque defensive maneuvers.

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Unknown Artisan

Date made

circa 1750 - circa 1800

Time Period

18th Century

Ethnography

Cultural Region

State/Province

Rajasthan

Dimensions

Dimension Description

18"

Material

Buffallo Hide

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Place

City

Udaipur, Rajasthan