Shield, Saabya
Anga, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Late 19th-early 20th c.
Published: “New Guinea Highlands: Art from the Jolika Collection, pg. 226
In warfare, shields were often adorned with vibrant colors and striking designs, serving not only as a practical means of protection but also as a symbol of the warrior’s power and prestige. In a group of Anga warriors fighting in the same battle, one can observe various types of shields. Some are decorated with different ochres, while others remain plain. It is common to see the design of a shield matching the body decorations of the warrior carrying it. The shield before us boasts an ancient patina and remarkably preserved traces of its original pigment. There are two broken-off arrow tips embedded in the front of the shield, providing evidence that this shield was used in battle.
Shield, Saabya
Anga, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Late 19th-early 20th c.
Published: “New Guinea Highlands: Art from the Jolika Collection, pg. 226
In warfare, shields were often adorned with vibrant colors and striking designs, serving not only as a practical means of protection but also as a symbol of the warrior’s power and prestige. In a group of Anga warriors fighting in the same battle, one can observe various types of shields. Some are decorated with different ochres, while others remain plain. It is common to see the design of a shield matching the body decorations of the warrior carrying it. The shield before us boasts an ancient patina and remarkably preserved traces of its original pigment. There are two broken-off arrow tips embedded in the front of the shield, providing evidence that this shield was used in battle.
