Shoulder shield "wörrumbi"
Papua New Guinea - Southern Highlands, Mendi
Vendu
1 400 €
Provenance
acquired in Port Moresby (1982)Taille
H: 127 cm
H: 50.0 inch
Description
hardwood, blackish brown ground, simple patterns in red and white pigment, of oval form, board-shaped flat, vertical middle ridge on the front side, gripping device of plant fibre cord, slightly dam., cracks (right rim, upper end), abrasion of paint;
used by bowmen, the “wörrumbi” was the most important battle shield. It was carried only when clans opposed each other in open lines of battle. The timber was any of a variety of hardwood, either split from the trunk or shaped and trimmed from a buttress root.