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Ngaie, war shield

Civilization Sulka, Eastern New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea
End of 19th century or beginning of 20th century
Height: 119 cm – Width: 38,5 cm
Alstonia wood, cane and pigments

With carved and painted decoration on both sides
These magnificently colored shields are one of the most desirable objects of Oceanic Art and are a true icon and goal for a collection. The wonderfully graphic designs form strangely structured faces representing spirits and/or ancestors. The elements of the faces are made up of parts of bird heads with the concentric eyes focusing the enemy’s attention and probably distracting him in combat.

Provenance

Dr. Albert Hahl (1868/1945), Governor of German New Guinea (1902/1914)
By descent; acquired by the family
Anthony Meyer, Paris
Private collection, Paris

Publication(s)

Exhibition(s)

Ngaie, war shield