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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Shield (Klebit Bok)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Shield (Klebit Bok)

Artist/Maker (Borneo)
Datelate 19th to early 20th century
Mediumwood and paint
DimensionsOverall: 52 1/4 x 11 5/8 x 2 1/4 in. (132.7 x 29.5 x 5.7 cm)
ClassificationsWeapons and Armor
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.18
    DescriptionKayan shields are typically painted in red, black, and white, with three images of fearsome, round eyed, fanged demons (antu) squatting in a posture described as “displayed monster.” The shields were used in headhunting raids and in the ceremonies celebrating a successful raid. The staring, displayed antu are believed to be both protective to the shield bearers and dangerous to their enemies. The tendrils that surround the figures may, in addition to being decorative filling devices, refer to the longhaired bodies of the demons as described in mythology. Other Dayak, neighbors of the Kayan, actually attach real hair to areas of the shields. The Kayan also paint these glaring images on the facades of mortuary houses to protect the body within from tomb robbers and from more spiritual dangers.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Asmat people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Kayan Dayak people
    collected 1896
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Adelphoi Zangaki
    ca. 1860-1889 (printed 1992)
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Iban Dayak people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Moche
    100-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chimú
    900-1460
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Akan people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century (printed 1992)