Rainforest shield

An important aboriginal Rainforest Shield, north eastern Queensland.
Bård R. Aaberge notes, ‘The big, beautifully decorated, fighting shields and one-handed swords are distinctive features belonging to the Aboriginal Rainforest Cultures between Ingham in the south, Bloomfield River in the north, inland to the Herbert River and on the mountain ranges of the Atherton Tablelands. The swords and shields were used in big social gatherings to settle disputes and legal conflicts between different tribes as well as between individuals. Smaller painted shields and matching swords were used in « play » or ceremonial dances.[…]