Shield

Artist/Culture Australian

Datelate 1800s or earlier

Mediumhardwood with clay pigments

Dimensions73 × 35.6 × 8.9 cm, 1.8 kg (28 3/4 × 14 × 3 1/2 in., 4 lb.)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe Helen Slosberg Collection of Oceanic Art in Memory of Her Brother Israel Sagoff

Terms

Object number2004.150

DescriptionCarved from a single piece of wood, with pronounced curved grain visible. Front is painted in a geometric design, possibly incorporating abstracted natural elements. Protruding boss in center front, covering integral hand-grip carved into rear. Hole and small round indentation in front; some staining and possible loss on inside upper left.
Label TextTo settle disputes, the indigenous peoples of the rainforest in Queensland dueled with hardwood swords and shields carved from the trunks of fig trees. The shields were colored with white, red, and ochre clays found in the rainforest. The patterns symbolized sacred objects in tribal life: tools, weapons, insects, fish, animals, edible seeds, medicinal plants, leaves, stars, and comets. The pattern on this shield hasn’t been identified, but might be a bean pod.ProvenanceHelen S. Slosberg, Boston, MA; given to the Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 1960 (cat. no. 1960.154); transferred to the Worcester Art Museum, 2003, accessioned 2004.

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