SHIELD
Central australia
End of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century
Wood
H .: 70; L .: 20.5 cm

Oblong monoxyl shield carved from light wood. It is convex on one part and straight on the other. The latter has a cylindrical cavity allowing the hand to slip into the thickness of the shield and serving as a handle.

It is said that during initiatory rites the young boys were given a blank shield, as is the case here, which he then had to paint with patterns that were to protect the young man in his future battles.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON