Archer Shield, Mountain Region Region. Madang... Lot 56

Archer Shield, Mountain Region Region. Madang Province Wood carved with a stone tool. Fiber string Pre-contact period, second half of the 19th century Height: 0.60 m / Width: 0.55 m Provenance: Private collection, Canada - Private collection, Canada Literature: - Harry Beran & Barry Craig. Shields of Melanesia. Page 55 This small, lightweight shield enabled the warrior to use his bow with ease while protecting him from enemy arrows. Few heart-shaped shields of this type are preserved in public or private collections. Two were collected in the village of Wanuma in the Adelbert mountain range, 65 kilometers northwest of Madang. In contrast to its soft, rare and singular form, the patina of its surface shows the traces of its use. Beautiful brown, green and orange tones.