Shield
ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields
Culture
Lumi
Dateearly 20th Century
Made AtSandaun Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood and rattan
Dimensions28 × 44 × 2 1/2 in. (71.1 × 111.8 × 6.4 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object number2011.3.3
DescriptionThe curving form of this stone-carved shield allows archers to fire around it while it is slung over their shoulder for protection. Shields from the Torricelli Mountains are characterized by their lack of pigmentation and the spiraling, curvilinear motif seen here; they are intentionally less conspicuous than the brightly colored shields used by other Papuan cultures.Papuan shields were designed to protect warriors both physically and spiritually from the chaos of battle. Their bulky forms could easily deflect projectiles like arrows and spears, as well as block attacks from clubs. Carefully carved sculptural elements and painted designs helped warriors to magically draw strength and protection from their ancestors, the spirits of animals, and the land itself. When wars were declared, men often repainted their shields with dazzlingly vibrant colors to distract and threaten their enemies. Their designs signaled the status of the carrier, his prowess as a warrior, and his connection to the spiritual world.
On View
On view
20th Century
early to mid 20th Century
20th Century
late 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
early 20th Century