Shield (Ilo)

ClassificationsArms and Armor-shields

Date20th Century

Made AtWest New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood, rattan and paint

Dimensions56 1/4 × 13 × 2 1/8 in. (142.9 × 33 × 5.4 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object number2002.39.1

DescriptionThis war shield, the vernacular name for which is Ilo, comes from people residing in the Arawe region of West New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea. It is long and tall, designed to protect its bearer from incoming spears, yet the relatively thin shape allowed the user to move quickly and efficiently to escape the dangers of battle. This type of shield is referred to as polyxylous because it is made of three thick, convex planks of wood tied together with rattan.

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 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.

War, a constant realigning of relationships between opposing tribal neighbors, is woven into the tapestry of daily life in New Guinea. Its three leading causes are all key factors in being the dominant group in a region: disputes over land borders, stolen pigs, and the ownership of women. Both the location and times of battles were scheduled, and the ensuing hostilities could often go on for months culminating in someone being hurt or killed in battle. Once all parties agreed that a fair battle had taken place and reparations were settled, usually in the form of pigs given to the family of the deceased, life would go on until another issue arose.

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