Oceanic: Papua-New Guinea. Kalam (Karam), Simbai River area. War Shield. Wood, patination. Height: 37 ¾ inches Width: 23 in...

Description

Oceanic: Papua-New Guinea
Kalam (Karam), Simbai River area
War Shield
Wood, patination
Height: 37 ¾ inches Width: 23 inches

The carved designs of Kalam shields have a somewhat looser structure and placement than those of some other groups. Areas within the primary formal structures are filled with small-scaled, roughly square shapes in a repetitive grid. Most of the published shields have a similar soot-derived patination to this example. Holes near the center of the shield show where the loop of plaited rope used to carry the shield was once threaded through. The shield is unusually heavy for its size, indicating that it was carved from the buttress root of a tree.
In addition to some old losses in the center, a recently inserted rear screw-eye has pushed a small segment of wood loose on the front. There is general abrasion.

Provenance:
New Guinea Primitive Arts, Sydney (F3299)
Greg La Chapelle, Sante Fe
Gary Hendershott, Little Rock



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