Eastern Asmat shield

[Mytribalworld]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I think if you have no idea what a letter ( H ) is and cannot read anyway. The design is probably read as both the red and the White, the purpose is to dazele the design seems to pulse at a glance. One is caught between the red and then the White. Just registering the White it becomes quite compliex. The basic layout of the design is very similar to the shield shown from " Shields of Melanesia". I got this shield here in the UK.

Hi Tim,

I think your shield is indeed around the 70's and the double H can possibly read as "Heilig Hart" or in english " sacred heart"
The mission was very active around the 70 to encourage the Asmat carvers to pick up their old carving traditions. The Asmat sometimes mixed up Roman Catholic symbols in their carvings.
I wil list a pic of an Asmatpanel in my collection.

Arjan