Samas battle shield

Reference : 2180

Samas battle shield

Mangrove root carved with a lithic tool
White pigment (lime), mineral ochre and coal black.
Solid-cut handle.
Native restoration.
Height: 1.39 m / width: 0.325 m
Northern Yupmakcain group (Citak). Eastern Asmat
Papua Indonesia

Source :
– The JOLIKA Collection of Marcia & John Friede, Rye, New-York

More details

This shield, decorated with lozenges (woa) in high relief, has the same characteristics as shields from the Yupmakcain group: pointed top, narrow width and virtually straight at the base.
However, unlike its predecessor, the stylistics and small size of this one suggest that it was made further north in this region, probably on the border with the Bras group.
Outside of combat, Asmat shields were used as doors or placed next to them to protect against evil forces. During ceremonies, numerous shields were lined up to concentrate and reinforce the powers of ancestral spirits.

Price: €6,200

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