Sudanese shield, 1885 (c)

This hippopotamus hide shield was reputedly recovered from Major-General Sir John McNeill's 'zariba' (defensive fenced position constructed from thorn bush), after the Batttle of Tofrek on 22 March 1885, during the 1st Sudan War (1884-1885).

Tofrek was a fierce defensive battle where a force of British and Indian troops fought off an attack by followers of the Islamic fundamentalist leader, the Mahdi, under the command of Osman Digna. After severe fighting the Mahdists retreated after suffering around 3000 casualties.