Two Good Moro Shields

[CharlesS]

I had decided about 2-3 years ago that I would never have a Moro shield in my collection...they were so rare and when found generally in such awful condition that it just may be impossible to find. Who would have thought that in five months I would find two good ones, both quite different!!!

The one shown at the top, is the smaller of the two, but still large by shield standards at 24in. across. It is all carved from one piece of lighter weight wood...an amazing accomplishment within itself! The decorative work is all carved into the wood and is left the wood's natural lighter color while the rest is tinted black. The carving was no doubt done after the wood was painted to create the two toned look. The edges of the shield are bound with bamboo that has been pegged and nailed into place. I suppose this shield is combat capable, but it is of a lighter wood and I can't imagine it having much durability for very long against heavy quality steel. I believe it may very well be a ceremonial piece.

The bottom shield is no doubt a combat ready war shield. It is approximately triple the weight of the smaller one and is made from a denser, harder wood. It is a massive 31in. across!! Again, amazingly, carved from one piece of wood, the shield is entirely painted with a red ochre-like tone and then darkened in the center. This example is also bound on its edges with bamboo. The center hole is filled by a wooden plug that has itself been punched and held into place by a small wooden peg. The punched in peg expands the plug and holds it in place. When one just picks this shield up with two hands it is very heavy, but when you position it correctly on your arm, it distributes the weight very evenly and makes it seem very much lighter and is very maneuverable . It was made for a small arm.

The center holes common to all these has something to do with its construction; I am assuming it is set on some sort of carpentry wheel to be finished.

Actually to really appreciate these you have to hold them to get an idea of the weight. But I thought the "Moro gang" would at least enjoy looking at two that had been recently collected....two I thought I would never have!

Does anyone know the correct Moro term for these shields???

[Maurice]

Hello Charles,

Two very beautifull shields.
As you state hard to get. So you can imagine it's even harder to find one overhere.
I've wanted one for a long time, and I found some in private collections here in Europe. But unfortunately not for sale, or for a price I would never been able to pay.

I'm sure you can make a very nice display of your two shields with the moro weapons you have in your collection.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing these great pieces!

Maurice

[Sajen]

Congrats for your both new surprisingly acquisitions and thank you for sharing!

[Robert]

I too would like to thank you for sharing the photos of and information on your new Moro shields. Like everyone else so far I too wish to some day be able to find one of these at a price that I can afford. My congratulations for being able to find not one but two of these incredibly illusive items.


Best,
Robert

[Battara]

Well I remember the first one that you beat me out of.......

Anyway I don't know about a specific name for the different types of Moro shields, but in general they are called taming .

By the way, even though the first one is lighter, the Igorots in the north also use lighter wood like this for some of their shields as well, including some of the combat ones.

Also if I am not mistaken, some of these had a place in the middle to place a metal spike, although I have yet to see such an example.

[Gavin Nugent]

Congrats Charles,

I was offered the bottom one about 12 months ago along with other items from the regions. Did you get the rest of the collection? If I recall there was some provenance with them too...I think I still have the CD I was mailed...somewhere.

Gavin