LARGE OLD EITHIOPIAN ANIMAL HIDE SHIELD- 21" Sale Start Price USD 349.99 Current Price USD 349.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 369.99 Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Location Tucson, Arizona See more about 'LARGE OLD EITHIOPIAN ANIMAL HIDE SHIELD- 21" Sale' Description ETHIOPIAN  SHIELD In traditional Africa, shields were used not only as defensive weapons, but also as decorative or ritual objects filled with symbolic meaning. They can be carved from wood, woven, made from a variety of hides and even metal. Most Ethipoian shields are made from a very thick, tough leather, said to be hippopotamus hide. They are stretched over (often elaborate) wood forms, dried and removed. 21 " ACROSS, 5 " DEEP               THIS IS A  VERY  FINE  MID 20 TH   CENTURY   PIECE. I  REALIZE THAT THESE ARE AVAILABLE AT OTHER LOCATIONS . THEY CAN  COST $ 1,000.00  AND UP.  SHIPPPING  $ 50.00  + INSURED - USA $70.00 + INTERNATIONAL  - AIR MAIL  CAN NOT SHIP TO AUSTRALIA  ( ANIMAL SKIN ) IT IS VERY HEAVY. OBVIOUSLY GETTING HARDER TO COME BY THESE BOTH DUE TO THE POLITICS IN THE REGION AND THE LOSS OF HABITAT AND ANIMAL SOURCES. I WILL NOT BE SURPRISED WHEN OR DISMAYED HIPPOS BECOME ILLEGAL TO TAKE. IAM ALSO FAIRLY SURE THE QUALITY OF ANY THING NEW WILL BE SECOND RATE. VALUE $ 1000.00 +++ @ http://www.hamillgallery.com/ETHIOPIAN/EthiopianShields/EthiopianShields.html                    *** Please note that all old used Arts will have minor imperfections, chips, age                    cracks and other minor irregularities.*** If you cannot live with that or want a                   perfect piece, Please do not bid as old used items are never perfect. I will try as                          best to point out anything beyond that in my item descriptions.   PLEASE READ THE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING.  DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY.    Return Policy:                  All items purchased can be returned for a credit within 14 days.(minus shipping costs,). POLICIES: Buyer prepays, plus shipping and handling.                    We can not be responsible for lost or damaged product if it is not insured, therefore,  INSURANCE is included. International postage may vary  depending on country. Winning bidders outside of the United States get Air Mail.   After the auction has ended,Ebay  will send you email notification of your winning bid, requesting your shipping information.  Upon your reply, due within 3 business days, I will email you with complete information for mailing in your payment or charging through  PayPal (available for U.S. customers andnow most International countries). Payments are due within 14 days from close of auction. Please use Ebay check out services   Seller reserves the right to relist item if payment is not received within stated time.    Please check out my feedback comments left by ALL MY satisfied customers regarding my accuracy of descriptions,quality of merchandise and care in shipping. As an Ebay Powwer Seller we guarantee our descriptions to be accurate. Sorry, no refunds for buyer’s remorse. I invite you to please view my listing of other current eBay auctions. Multiple auctions won by the same bidder can be combined to help save on postage.     SELLER RETAINS THE RIGHT TO NOT SELL TO ANY BIDDER                              Winning bidders,Please follow the Auto Response   URL and enter your mailing address, so that your merchandise will be sent to the correct address. Payment methods: If  paying with a check or money order, follow                  the CONGRATULATIONS response E mail for our mailing address. If paying with   credit cards through PAYPAL,    My account ID is:ethnoartsinc@netscape.net                  E mail through EBAY if you have any questions or would like an invoice for  Paypal.  HAPPY BIDDING , HAVE A GREAT DAY AND GOOD LUCK   Place a Bid!