Kirdi Iron Shield, Cameroon

Iron has a voice. Strike it and it answers.

This Kirdi shield from Cameroon is made of the stuff, a tall arch three feet high, dark and dense, covered with rows of tiny raised dots. Seams cross the lower half. Two small loops of metal sit near the middle, where the arm passed through. Twentieth century.

The Kirdi lived in the mountains of northern Cameroon, and a hill people learns early what a good piece of metal is worth.

Hang it. Then try not to knock on it.