Antoine,
Here is an extract from the British Museum booklet "The Solomon Islanders" 1974. Maybe the paste covering was to provide extra strength against spear and club strikes. So your shield could be an older example made to be used in tribal warfare ??
Coincidentally, I had acquired a little while ago, this more recent shield made of wood. Its a post-colonial 20th century piece, most likely used for display or parade... The black painted design to the front might represent stylised frigate birds ?
Regards.
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