Shield
ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtSouthern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, pigment, and plant fiber
Dimensions62 × 22 1/2 × 1 in. (157.5 × 57.2 × 2.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2014.15.2
DescriptionThe design found on this shield is similar to those found on shields from the Lai Valley in the Southern Highlands. The design commonly found on shields from this area feature the joined triangles at the center of the shield. This design refers to 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. This 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
early to mid 20th Century
late 20th Century
early 20th century
