Shield "kliau" ·  Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak · ID: 3035605

Description

soft and light “jelutong” wood, shield and grip carved from a single piece, on both sides painted in black and red with stylized dragon motifs, strengthened with rattan strips to prevent splitting when struck by a sword, front with tufts of human hair taken from the warriors victims, slightly dam. (rims, tips), cracks, traces of hits;
wood shields were used for protection in warfare, on headhunting raids, or ceremonial display. The spiritually charged “monster” figure painted on the front is meant to frighten the enemy.

Comparing literature

van Zonneveld, Albert G., Traditional weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Leiden 2001, p. 73