Provenance:
– Collected by David Eastburn in the Mendi Valley in 1960.
– Elizabeth Pryce Collection, Sydney.

These shields are worn tightly under the armpit, slung over the shoulder with a rope, to protect the warrior’s torso when using his bow. It is light and easy to maneuver.  It is distinguished from the warrumbi shields of the same region by its carved “U” shaped structure at the top. These were used to protect the warrior’s head.

The anthropomorphic image is generally considered to be an ancestor, protecting the warrior. The red represents the color of victory (and also of revenge for the dead).

Dr. David Eastburn has worked closely with communities in Papua New Guinea for nearly five decades. He was a high school teacher in the Southern Highlands for ten years and has been involved in documentary film making. He is the author of: The Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea.