Shield - Lot 49

Shield Green River region, Upper Sepik, Papua New Guinea Wood and pigments H. 150 cm This rare shield corresponds to the style found in the Green River region at the headwaters of the Sepik River. Known locally as iben, this large shield features an asymmetrical design with chased and painted motifs. The lower part of the back features incised motifs in fine geometric grids. As Barry Craig (South Australian Museum) points out, shield compositions in the region were not intended to be figurative, but names referring to the characteristics of certain plants or animals could sometimes be attributed to specific motifs. Condition : A few visible chips and abrasions on the back, cracks and pigment loss on the front.