AN ASMAT WAR SHIELD

Among the Asmat, war shields are the most powerful symbolic elements of a warrior’s equipment, and have many layers of meaning. Traditionally, they were functional items used to protect warriors in battle by deflecting an enemy’s spears and arrows. The carved and painted images on the surface of the shields were also intended to frighten the enemy and symbolize the power of the ancestors.
Middle Asmat area, Irian Jaya, Papua,
Wood and natural pigments, 1.50 x 62 cm

Price:  Reserved