Shield

Item number Ie394 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

Unevenly rectangular slab of wood incised on one side with a central crocodile figure bordered with geometric patterns of triangles, ovals and diagonal lines on the top and bottom pattern. Fibre ties run through four holes in the wood on the back. The surface is covered in charcoal pigment.

History Of Use

Shields are a defensive utensil. Most New Guinea conflicts were ambushes, but formal war could be declared at an appointed place and time. Such battles, sparked by thefts of pigs, women or rarely, land, began with both sides using arrows and spears. It might progress to hand-to hand fighting with clubs etc., but mortality tended to be low in New Guinea war. Shields were a useful defense against flying projectiles.