Shield (phub)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This shield belongs to a rare group, examples of which have been found at Tsaparang in the Ngari region of western Tibet, and in Phyang Monastery in the Ladakh region of northwestern India. The iron fittings on these shields are extremely similar to those on some types of Tibetan leather arm guards, horse shaffrons, and furniture, especially leather trunks and boxes.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art