Shield, ssabama
Aiome people, North Coast, middle Ramu River,
Papua New Guinea
19th C.
Provenance: Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa:
Wartburg inventory number 90.3/26
Such small round shields are unique to this region of Melanesia. They are quite rare, and this example is by far the smallest I’ve encountered. Their small size may be due to the small stature of Aiome men. With an average height of about 149 cm, they are said to be the shortest men in PNG. Warriors would protect themselves during battle by suspending the string bag containing the wooden disk over their shoulder.
Shield, ssabama
Aiome people, North Coast, middle Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
19th C.
Provenance: Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa: Wartburg inventory number 90.3/26
Such small round shields are unique to this region of Melanesia. They are quite rare, and this example is by far the smallest I’ve encountered. Their small size may be due to the small stature of Aiome men. With an average height of about 149 cm, they are said to be the shortest men in PNG. Warriors would protect themselves during battle by suspending the string bag containing the wooden disk over their shoulder.