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Shield Ngake

Kominimung people, Middle Ramu, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia
Height: 133 cm
Wood, fibers and pigments

The V-shaped decoration on the upper part of the shield is the representation of the face of Ndaro, central deity of the inhabitants of this region. The patterns on either side of the V, which here resemble two pairs of large eyes, are specific to each clan, usually associated with an animal or a plant. This shield has retained in its lower part a wide braided rush band held by the attachment holes visible on each side.

Provenance

Jef Vanderstraete collection, Belgium
Jolika collection of John and Marcia Friede, Rye, U.S.A.

Publication(s)

Exhibition(s)

Shield Ngake