Fighting shield ·  Australia · ID: 3038112

Description

bush hardwood, reddish brown patina, traces of a striped painting backside, stonecut linear grooved pattern on the frontside, remains of painting in stripes on the backside, carved with handle, slightly dam.;
Aboriginals over a wide area of the Australian continent used shields, but probably only on special occasions. They were rarely carried daily. Broader shields like the present were a protection from spears. Making shields was one of many types of woodwork necessary in Aboriginal society. In traditional groups all members were craftsmen. Each could fashion the various objects needed for daily use.

Comparing literature

Carrick, John (ed.), Art of the first Australians, Camperdown o.J., p. 15