Shoulder shield "elàyaborr" ·  Papua New Guinea - Highlands - Mendi · ID: 3034627

Description

hardwood, dyed in blackish brown, the front painted with rhomb- and hook-shaped patterns in white pigment, a stylized male ancestor figure in red ochre on the backside, two drilled holes on the upper rim, old collection number handwritten in white paint “LF/F44”, slightly dam., minor missing parts at the rim;
it was hung on the shoulder from a long diagonal strap and used in surprise raids or in skirmishes to deflect enemy spears thrusts and arrows. The two upper projections helped to protect the warrior’s head.

Comparing literature

Barbier, Jean Paul, Benitez-Johannot, P., Shields, München, London, New York 2000, p. 212, ill. 88