The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.416

v1.c10.416

The ornaments on these shields were limited to a few metal bosses or stars, probably of brass, and rarely a tassel. But at Koṇārak, a specimen has been seen which is most elaborately ornamented. (Illustration No. 218). It is nearly two and a half feet in diameter, bound round the edge with a metal rim, and decorated with an outer band formed of circular plates of metal bearing impressions in relief of men, horses, elephants, deer, fishes, birds, tortoises, lizards, and floral scrolls, and having a scalloped inner edge. A medallion of a chaste design covers the centre, and to it is attached a thick bushy yak-tail *cauri*; a second *cauri* of the same kind, but with a differently formed handle, hangs from the top. For distinctive badges it has two well-formed lizards. At first sight, this buckler appears to be a sort of a pageant shield intended more for display on festive occasions than for use; but it was found in the hand of a warrior crouching under a prancing horse, whose rider had dismounted and was ready with a drawn sword to give him the *coup de grace*.