Shield "laua" ·  Papua New Guinea - Gulf, Elema · ID: 3053743

Description

wood, pigments, rest.

These wooden shields come from the Elema people of the Gulf of Papua in southeastern New Guinea. Known as “laua,” they were used to protect archers, who could thread their drawing arm through the upper notch. The Elema’s warfare followed established rules and was conducted according to agreements between elders and ritual leaders. Unlike their western and northern neighbours, the Purari and Anga, the Elema did not undertake raids.

“Laua” shields were kept in the men’s houses (“eravo”) alongside spirit boards and trophies consisting of human, crocodile, and pig skulls. Their flat reliefs and serrated border motifs are closely related to these spirit boards. Viewed from the side, the serrations may resemble the open mouth of an animal.

Comparing literature

Evans, Bill (ed.), War Art & Ritual, Shields from the Pacific, Vol, 2, 2019, p. 411