Shield
ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtSouthern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, pigment, and plant fiber
Dimensions62 3/16 × 19 7/8 × 4 7/8 in., 316.8 oz. (158 × 50.5 × 12.4 cm, 8.981 kg.)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2014.15.2
DescriptionThe motifs on this shield are characteristic of the Lai Valley in the Southern Highlands. The conjoined triangles at the top of the shield represent an eel trap. Scholars have noted that the eel trap is used to insult enemies by conveying a message similar to the following, “We will push you off your land, into the river, and the eels will eat your dead body.” Many Highland shields feature the central circular design seen here which may symbolize the sun. The blue paint used on this shield indicates that it was made in recent history as blue was not a regularly available natural pigment. It is likely that the blue color was acquired from commercially available paints.On View
Not on viewCollections
late 20th Century
