War shield - Lot 113

War shield Aire Massim, Trobriand Islands Wood, rattan, pigments H. 70 cm Provenance : - From an old Dutch museum - Loed Van Bussel, Amsterdam - Private collection, Paris An early example of a war shield known as a vayola. Carved from light wood, the oval-shaped shield appears strongly curved when viewed from the side. A rattan handle is attached to the reverse. The outer surface is entirely painted with interlaced motifs characteristic of Trobriand Island artistic production. Particularly rare, these shields were reserved for the elite. The painted patterns reinforced the owner's power and frightened off enemies. An old label bearing an inventory number and handwritten instructions in Dutch is attached to the handle.