Bagobo Shield Puzzler

Indianajones · 14th May 2012, 06:28 PM

Hi, wel a quite interesting shield. To my opinion it IS authentic and old, but just not an 20th cent.piece. The style of the brasssheet cutting is a style seen more on other items and carving (originally perhaps derived from Chinese ornaments) and also the horizontal piece of wood attached at the straight end is also done on older traditional shields (as we know them).

I dont think it is a "reupholstered" old shield as the wood seems to be a bit different (originals have bit more yellowish sandy colored wood)and I also saw some nails (?). Age?; I think 1930 to 50's, made by Bagobo but not tribally anymore.

After all it is still a very attractive piece! Even if I had a good 20th century Bagobo shield (nice one cost$$$$) this would make a nice addition.

Congrats!

VANDOO · 14th May 2012, 07:16 PM

I SUSPECT IT IS A PARADE SHIELD OFTEN ARMOR AND HELMETS ARE WORN IN PARADES AND AT FESTIVALS THIS WOULD FIT IN WELL IN SUCH AN EVENT. THOUGH NOT FROM THE HEADHUNTING DAYS THIS QUALITY IS STILL ETHINOGRAPHIC AND PLAYS A PART IN TODAYS CULTURE. A WELL HEALED TOURIST WOULD NO DOUBT LIKE TO PICK UP SUCH AN EXAMPLE BUT I THINK THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE FOR LOCAL USE NOT FOR TOURISTS. THEY COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN MADE FOR PRESENTATION TO IMPORTANT PEOPLE. THE QUALITY WOULD BE THE EQUIVILENT OF TODAYS DATU QUALITY AS IT WOULD TAKE SOME CASH TO HAVE ONE MADE. CONGRADULATIONS ON A REAL BEAUTY

Clubs & Arrows · 15th May 2012, 02:30 AM

Detlef, Indiana, and Vandoo,
Detlef, it looks like all of the sheet metal is tin, but the discoloration makes it appear kind of brassy here and there in the pics. Indiana, there are nail holes along either side of the gap between the top plank and the main body of the shield. which was what made me think that it was woven together at one point like another one that I have. Vandoo, I think that the festival or Ceremonial feeling is also the way that I'm thinking on this piece.

Thank you all for the input about the shield.

Best regards,
Joe
Took a few pics when I hung it up today in the entry at home.

VANDOO · 15th May 2012, 04:43 AM

A VERY NICE DISPLAY

ARE THE TWO SMALLEST OVAL SHIELDS AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL SHIELDS? THE ONE TO THE RIGHT SEEMS TO HAVE AN INTERESTING DESIGN CAN'T TELL MUCH ABOUT THE OTHER ONE.

Clubs & Arrows · 15th May 2012, 01:17 PM

Vandoo,
You are correct. They are Aboriginal Gulmari shields that I picked up a few years ago. The wider one on the left has a dark covering of Spinifex resin across the center of it with a horizontal band design scratched into it. The one on the right does have a cleaner design to it.

Best,
Joe

15th May 2012, 02:30 AM	#3
Clubs & Arrows Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Gabriel Foothills, Southern California Posts: 94	Detlef, Indiana, and Vandoo, Detlef, it looks like all of the sheet metal is tin, but the discoloration makes it appear kind of brassy here and there in the pics. Indiana, there are nail holes along either side of the gap between the top plank and the main body of the shield. which was what made me think that it was woven together at one point like another one that I have. Vandoo, I think that the festival or Ceremonial feeling is also the way that I'm thinking on this piece. Thank you all for the input about the shield. Best regards, Joe Took a few pics when I hung it up today in the entry at home. Attached Images

14th May 2012, 06:28 PM	#1
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Hi, wel a quite interesting shield. To my opinion it IS authentic and old, but just not an 20th cent.piece. The style of the brasssheet cutting is a style seen more on other items and carving (originally perhaps derived from Chinese ornaments) and also the horizontal piece of wood attached at the straight end is also done on older traditional shields (as we know them). I dont think it is a "reupholstered" old shield as the wood seems to be a bit different (originals have bit more yellowish sandy colored wood)and I also saw some nails (?). Age?; I think 1930 to 50's, made by Bagobo but not tribally anymore. After all it is still a very attractive piece! Even if I had a good 20th century Bagobo shield (nice one cost$$$$) this would make a nice addition. Congrats!

14th May 2012, 07:16 PM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I SUSPECT IT IS A PARADE SHIELD OFTEN ARMOR AND HELMETS ARE WORN IN PARADES AND AT FESTIVALS THIS WOULD FIT IN WELL IN SUCH AN EVENT. THOUGH NOT FROM THE HEADHUNTING DAYS THIS QUALITY IS STILL ETHINOGRAPHIC AND PLAYS A PART IN TODAYS CULTURE. A WELL HEALED TOURIST WOULD NO DOUBT LIKE TO PICK UP SUCH AN EXAMPLE BUT I THINK THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE FOR LOCAL USE NOT FOR TOURISTS. THEY COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN MADE FOR PRESENTATION TO IMPORTANT PEOPLE. THE QUALITY WOULD BE THE EQUIVILENT OF TODAYS DATU QUALITY AS IT WOULD TAKE SOME CASH TO HAVE ONE MADE. CONGRADULATIONS ON A REAL BEAUTY

15th May 2012, 04:43 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	A VERY NICE DISPLAY ARE THE TWO SMALLEST OVAL SHIELDS AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL SHIELDS? THE ONE TO THE RIGHT SEEMS TO HAVE AN INTERESTING DESIGN CAN'T TELL MUCH ABOUT THE OTHER ONE.

15th May 2012, 01:17 PM	#5
Clubs & Arrows Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Gabriel Foothills, Southern California Posts: 94	Vandoo, You are correct. They are Aboriginal Gulmari shields that I picked up a few years ago. The wider one on the left has a dark covering of Spinifex resin across the center of it with a horizontal band design scratched into it. The one on the right does have a cleaner design to it. Best, Joe