Shield

Description

burl wood, earth pigments, handwritten collection number “A2286” in two places on the reverse; old collection label (illegible) in the same place

Shields like this one were traditionally made only by the rainforest peoples of north Queensland, whose lands stretch from Cardwell in the south to near Cape Tribulation in the north.

They were made from the roots of native fig trees, which accounts for their asymmetrical curved appearance. White, red and yellow ochres, together with black pigment made by mixing charcoal with water, were painted on the shields in bold designs. All of the different designs had meanings associated with totems or inspired by legends.

The shields played an important part in the initiation of young men, as each was given a bare shield to paint after he had received his final “marks”.

The shields were associated in battle with the heavy fighting swords. The designs on the shields were thought to possess protective qualities. By sometimes incorporating blood into the black pigment, the shield’s maker imparted his personal spirit into the object, giving the shield more power to protect the creator during battle.

Comparing literature