Miniature Shield Item Number: 3557/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small shield sealed inside a plastic bag; bag is secured shut with a paper manufacturer's label stapled over the opening. Shield is oval-shaped with two holes drilled into either side, towards centre; rattan cord knotted through holes, for holding purposes. Hourglass-like shape carved across surface, with triangles protruding from either side in centre; curvilinear motif incised in middle. Hourglass-like shape done in black, outline of hourglass and curvilinear motif done in dark brown. Orange card inserted into bag, behind shield, with images of person using a shield and spear, and one of a shield by itself; paragraph of text describes materials, how it was used, and decorations.
Purchased by the donor in 1974-1975, possibly from the Wire Trade store, located on the Catholic Mission in Wewak. The items were made by the Au people of West Sepik province (Sandaun), possibly in Aitape?