Lahore Wootz Shield Sipar

Shields played a vital role in Indian warfare and courtly display throughout history. Among the most valued forms were shields made of wootz steel using the same high-carbon steel that made Indian blades world-renowned. These shields were not just functional pieces of armor but also objects of artistic and cultural significance, often decorated with intricate inlays, gold embellishments, and repoussé work.

In 19th-century India, warriors, nobles, and royalty used several types of shields, each tailored to different combat and ceremonial purposes. Some of the most prominent were:

Dhal (ढाल) – The most common Indian shield, typically made from leather, steel, or wootz steel, often featuring intricate designs and gilt decoration.

Sipar (سپار‎) – A Persian name for a similar shield sometimes found in Mughal and Rajput armories.

Indian wootz shields were crafted using wootz steel, known for its high carbon content and characteristic watered pattern. These shields were often adorned with:

• Gold and silver koftgari work, a technique in which thin gold or silver wires were hammered onto the steel surface to create elaborate floral or geometric patterns.
• Pierced work and chiseled designs, especially in Mughal and Deccan styles.
• Central bosses and fittings, which were often gilded or engraved with depictions of Hindu deities, floral motifs, or Islamic calligraphy.
• Embossed and repoussé patterns, adding a three-dimensional quality to the design.

While Indian shields were essential in combat, they also served as:

• Warrior’s Defense: In battle, wootz steel shields provided exceptional resilience against swords, arrows, and even firearms.
• Status Symbols: Shields with elaborate gold inlays and royal insignias were worn by nobles and rulers as indicators of prestige.
• Ceremonial and Religious Objects: Many shields were gifted in diplomatic exchanges or dedicated in temples and royal shrines.

This lovely example is a rare form of which a few survive in fine collections worldwide.  The best group of these can be found in the Wallace Collection where they are attributed to early 18th c. Lahore.  This rare example is crafted entirely in wootz steel, the pattern of which can be seen throughout including wootz bosses.  The bosses are stylistically a clear conduit to the remaining Wallace Collection group, which are Accession Numbers OA2220, OA1978, OA1981, and OA2287.

The chiseled inscriptions along the edge read the Nadi 'Ali, a popular Shi'i Du'a and also includes a Basmala, probably to introduce the Du'a or possibly to separate the two halves of the Nadi 'Ali, depending on where it is on the shield. 

نَادِ عَلِيّاً مَظْهَرَ الْعَجَائِبِ، تَجِدْهُ عَوْناً لَكَ فِي النَّوَائِبِ، كُلُّ هَمٍّ وَ غَمٍّ سَيَنْجَلِي، بِعَظْمَتِكَ يَا اَللهُ نُبُوَّتِكَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ بِوَلايَتِكَ يَا عَلِيُّ يَا عَلِيُّ يَا عَلِيُّ

Translated:

Call on Ali, (He) is able to bring about the extraordinary. You will find him an effective supporter in all calamities. (All) worries and sorrows will soon disappear . by Your greatness of O Allah, By Your Prophethood O Mohammed, By your Vicergency O Ali! O Ali! O Ali!

The Nadi 'Ali is not particularly sectarian either and the shield could have been carried also by a Sunni with Alid sympathies for instance.  (Thanks to Arthur Bijl for this information).

The reverse of the shield has a multi-colored textile, likely a 19th century armory application.  Interestingly a Sikh shield in the Toor Collection has a handle made of identical textile, indicating they resided at some point in the same armory where this cloth was applied to multiple shields.