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Shield, Atkom, 19th–early 20th century
Wood, pigment
167.6 x 55.9 x 5.1 cm (66 x 22 x 2.5 in.)
The Marcia and John Friede Collection, a Promised Gift to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco L05.1.161

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: "Walter Randel Collection, New York." (Catalog #361, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 142.) PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "Old 'Telefomin' shields differ dramatically from the more recent, metal carved examples, even though most of the latter were also made for and used in warfare. A related shield to this one collected by Ward Williams in 1936, is now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. See Craig, 1988: 11, fig. 3. As Cranstone (1968) and Craig (1988: 56) report, the Telefomin do not communicate a meaning for the total design of such shields but name elements of the design, often referring to parts of humans or animals. For example, the pairs of spirals carved near the top end of this shield 'are frequently interpreted as eyes of lizards or humans or birds' (ibid., 56). From the sum of the parts, it may be concluded that the design as a whole may be seen as a metaphor of a human being or ancestor (Dirk Smidt, personal communication). Note the two pairs of holes for the attachment of a pair of carrying straps are affixed in parallel fashion-but partly intertwined with each other-between an upper and lower hole. The carrying strap of Mountain Ok shields and the manner it is affixed differ markedly from shields of other ethnic groups in the upper Sepik region. There is also a difference with shields from other areas which have grips rather than carrying straps affixed (see Craig, 1988: 62, fig. 43). Thanks to the carrying strap, the warrior could sling the shield over his shoulder and thus have his hands free to use his bow and arrows." (Catalog #361, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 142.)

Related Keywords
Atkom Shield Francisco San Museums Arts Fine Gift Promised 142 p 2 Volume 2005 Friede John Marcia Jolika Masterpieces Art 361 Catalog York Randel Walter people Ok Mountain Oceania Province Sandaun Guinea New Papua Melanesia Armor Arms pigment Wood damage beetle post powder 0709200406050455 A361076 L05.1.161 AOA