Elayaborr archer’s shield

Reference : 2185

Elayaborr archer’s shield

Wood carved with a lithic tool.
dimensions: Height: 0.90 m / Width: 0.31 m
Pre-contact 19th century.
Korkor, Mendi Valley, Southern Highlands
Papua New Guinea

Provenance:
– Collected by David Eastburn in the Mendi Valley in 1960.
– Elizabeth Pryce Collection, Sydney.

These shields are worn tightly under the armpit, slung over the shoulder with a rope, to protect the warrior’s torso when using his bow.
They are light and easy to handle.
They can be distinguished from Warrumbi shields from the same region by their U-shaped structure at the top, which protected the warrior’s head. This protected the warrior’s head.
The anthropomorphic image is generally perceived as an ancestor, protecting the warrior. Red represents the color of victory (and also vengeance for the dead). David Eastburn had been working closely with communities in Papua New Guinea for almost fifty years.
He taught for ten years at a secondary school in the Southern Highlands and was involved in documentary filmmaking. He is the author of : The Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea Price: €7,800

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