Australian Aboriginal Shield

colin henshaw · 5th June 2022, 05:34 PM

Nice shield, its from the Kimberly area of Western Australia. This type is sometimes referred to as a La Grange shield. Difficult to attribute age accurately, maybe late 19th/early 20th century. Congratulations, a good find.

Lee · 17th June 2022, 06:17 PM

Thank you for the insights. I find that a lot, if not most, of the things I have collected lack signs of actual combative use.

This is the third Australian Aboriginal shield that I have acquired over the years. The first came about 45 years ago in my very early days of collecting and features kangaroos and emus. I saw a few other items with this same motif at the flea market, but, of course, now they scream "tourist" at me. The second was a little larger and interestingly has a concave face. I suppose it too may have been for the traveler, but perhaps not.

17th June 2022, 06:17 PM	#2
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 932	Thank you for the insights. I find that a lot, if not most, of the things I have collected lack signs of actual combative use. This is the third Australian Aboriginal shield that I have acquired over the years. The first came about 45 years ago in my very early days of collecting and features kangaroos and emus. I saw a few other items with this same motif at the flea market, but, of course, now they scream "tourist" at me. The second was a little larger and interestingly has a concave face. I suppose it too may have been for the traveler, but perhaps not. Attached Images

5th June 2022, 05:34 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Nice shield, its from the Kimberly area of Western Australia. This type is sometimes referred to as a La Grange shield. Difficult to attribute age accurately, maybe late 19th/early 20th century. Congratulations, a good find.