The decoration on this fine and very old shield is a classic example of the motifs that are said to represent the mask of NDARO or MRO, the powerful mythological being, central figure of the Rao Peoples religion. The face of the ancestor is placed in the upper triangulare section which represents a bone (human or cassowary) fighting dagger. Shields of this type were hung either in front of, or to either side of the body in order to free the hands for the use of the bow and arrow. The lower two-thirds of these shields were originally sheathed in a woven fiber cover. The shield is hung on the body with a length of rattan attached to the holes at either edge of the shield. There is a thick rim around the upper rear edge, which could be a structural reinforcement as it seems to have no esthetic meaning. The shield presented here is interesting due to the small decorative motif engraved just under the dorsal rim.

Wood probably carved with non-metal tools. The lower left side is charred. The suspension holes are pierced twice. Damage and wear all over.

Rao People, Upper Keram and Middle Ramu Rivers Area, Southern Lower Sepik, P.N.G., New Guinea, Melanesia.

18/19th century. 125 X 38.5 X 1.5 cm.