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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
War Shield
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.

War Shield

Artist/Maker (Irian Jaya, Indonesia)
Dateearly 20th century
Mediumwood and paint
DimensionsOverall: 79 3/4 x 25 x 3 1/4 in. (202.6 x 63.5 x 8.3 cm)
ClassificationsWeapons and Armor
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.29
    DescriptionEvery Asmat warrior possesses a war shield decorated with low relief carving and paint. No two are alike. The identity or meaning of the images is personal to the individual owner; they most likely have to do with his personal protective spirit. Each shield has a “head,” sometimes quite minimal or clearly indicated as is the case here. The red pigment is symbolic of blood and the white lime pigment is associated with sago (the principal food of the Asmat), brain matter, and sperm. The shields are used in headhunting, described as the “central pillar” of the Asmat way of life. Headhunting sustains fertility and spiritually renews social processes.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Kayan Dayak people
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Iban Dayak people
    20th century
    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
    Kayan Dayak people
    collected 1896
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Kominimung
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1931
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Iatmul people
    probably 1st half of the 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maori people
    19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    early to mid 19th century