Shield "kliau" · Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak · ID: 3040160
Drouot-Paris, Collection André Lhote, 17 December 1979, lot 276
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 and all kinds of intricate figures, strengthened with rattan strips to prevent splitting when struck by a sword, slightly dam. (pointed endings), traces of insect caused damage (handle), cracks, abrasion of paint (middle ridge);
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.
The object Shield “kliau” with the object ID 3040160 was last part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction at February 27, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 11.
You can find more Shields and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on Asian art.
Comparing literature
van Zonneveld, Albert G., Traditional weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Leiden 2001, p. 73