Asian and Australian shields

Nonoy Tan · 16th June 2013, 07:55 AM

Bill, I think the round shield has more Chinese characters at the back but not fully shown in the photograph. Those characters might provide clues of its history.

Tim Simmons · 17th June 2013, 07:21 PM

I have two of these Papuan Central Highlands bowman shields very similar to the one you have. Interesting that they are about the same size, however they are quite different. One is relatively finely carved displaying the stroke of the adze. The timber is light, the shield weighs 1.422 kg. The design on the front appears to have been painted with imported paints? I am not completely sure but the paint is certainly different or more sophisticated than earth based pigments. This shield is old probably 1960s - 1970s when traditional warfare had yet to become trade axe and shotgun to AK47. The other is much more roughly hewn as if just a thick slice split from a large timber log. This shield weighs almost twice the other example, being 2.507 kg. The shield is painted with the usual earthen pigments. Could possibly be a decade or two older.

I have yet to get an Australian shield. In spite of the fact that they are extremely common, several available on ebay each week, and traditionally made throughout the 20th century. They are so over priced as is they are rare and antique.

billevans · 18th June 2013, 03:51 AM

The answer to your question is that these two shield come from very different places. The one on the left with the more crescent shape is from the Madang area of the North Coast while the rough cut one is from the Southern Highlands

Sajen · 29th February 2024, 10:07 PM

Sadly I have to tell you that Bill Eavans, the publicator of "War Art & Ritual" deceased at Valentins Day after a long fight!
I was in contact with him over several years, rest in peace Bill!

kino · 1st March 2024, 05:47 AM

Sad news.
R.I.P. Bill Evans

I traded a Bagobo shield for this large Moro shield, with Bill many years ago.

Sajen · 1st March 2024, 08:27 AM

Bill bought several shields over the years from me, one he has published in his publication.

Pendita65 · 1st March 2024, 11:25 AM

Detlef,

you sure have a broad knowledge and keen eye to spot beautiful objects and the catalogue is beautiful but with a hefty pricetag to get sent from Australia. Sorry to read your aquintance died recent.

17th June 2013, 07:21 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,842	I have two of these Papuan Central Highlands bowman shields very similar to the one you have. Interesting that they are about the same size, however they are quite different. One is relatively finely carved displaying the stroke of the adze. The timber is light, the shield weighs 1.422 kg. The design on the front appears to have been painted with imported paints? I am not completely sure but the paint is certainly different or more sophisticated than earth based pigments. This shield is old probably 1960s - 1970s when traditional warfare had yet to become trade axe and shotgun to AK47. The other is much more roughly hewn as if just a thick slice split from a large timber log. This shield weighs almost twice the other example, being 2.507 kg. The shield is painted with the usual earthen pigments. Could possibly be a decade or two older. I have yet to get an Australian shield. In spite of the fact that they are extremely common, several available on ebay each week, and traditionally made throughout the 20th century. They are so over priced as is they are rare and antique. Attached Images

18th June 2013, 03:51 AM	#3
billevans Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 10	underarm shields The answer to your question is that these two shield come from very different places. The one on the left with the more crescent shape is from the Madang area of the North Coast while the rough cut one is from the Southern Highlands

29th February 2024, 10:07 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Sadly I have to tell you that Bill Eavans, the publicator of "War Art & Ritual" deceased at Valentins Day after a long fight! I was in contact with him over several years, rest in peace Bill! Attached Images

1st March 2024, 05:47 AM	#5
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Sad news. R.I.P. Bill Evans I traded a Bagobo shield for this large Moro shield, with Bill many years ago. Attached Images

1st March 2024, 08:27 AM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Bill bought several shields over the years from me, one he has published in his publication. Attached Images

16th June 2013, 07:55 AM	#1
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Bill, I think the round shield has more Chinese characters at the back but not fully shown in the photograph. Those characters might provide clues of its history.

1st March 2024, 11:25 AM	#7
Pendita65 Member Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 127	Detlef, you sure have a broad knowledge and keen eye to spot beautiful objects and the catalogue is beautiful but with a hefty pricetag to get sent from Australia. Sorry to read your aquintance died recent.