Parrying shield

Description

wood, brown patina, red ochre, remains of white pigment, front side slightly vaulted, in whole length coated with grooved wavy lines interrupted by horizontal bands in four places, striking detail: paired notches in the upper and lower rim area as well as backside at the raised middle ridge, carved handle on reverse, slightly dam., minor missing parts along rim, drilled hole;
thin parrying shields were used to deflect clubs and boomerangs. Wood was generally worked with a variety of stone tools from initial cutting to final touches. The finished shield was rubbed with animal fat to prevent cracking.