Shield with designs carved in low relief on the concave front. The pointed top has a cross-like design painted white with black outline. The body has abstract mirrored M-shaped designs in red-orange, outlined in black, with white in the negative space. Back is plain except for a single black line painted horizontally across the shield above a large vertical carved handle. Large crack extending up from bottom edge.

• Narrative

  According to the donor, the Asmat objects in this accession (3383/1-12), as well as one other carving sold to MOA in 1990 (1481/1), were collected by an explorer named Jim Allen during two trips: one in the spring of 1989, the other in the fall of 1989. On the second expedition they explored the remote Asmat territories of the upper Brazza and Senggo, by hiking down from the highlands.

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• Type of Item shield
• Culture Asmat
• Material wood, pigment, paint
• Measurements height 233.3 cm, width 50.0 cm, depth 11.0 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Jim Allen, Joanne Fallow
• Received from Joanne Fallow

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• Made in Batipi

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• Collection Date during 1989
• Ownership Date before August 21, 2019
• Acquisition Date on August 21, 2019

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• Condition poor
• Accession Number 3383/0007