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Shield, representing "The Phantom", 1960
Wood, paint, metal, cane, rattan, string, cassowary feathers, mosquito netting
163.8 cm (64 1/2 in.)

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Artist Biography: (none) PROVENANCE: Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art PUBLICATIONS: 2005 - "This remarkable shield is one of the most successful contemporary artworks from a tribal people that I have seen. Usually modern works are degraded versions of traditional themes, yet this one has as fresh and powerful an image as the best of ancient Papua New Guinea creations. The Phantom was a comic book character popular in New Guinea in the 1960s. The words on the shield, translated from Melanesian Pidgin, mean "Man who does not die!" The Phantom became a kind of cult hero to tribal fighters in the Highlands. He was blamed for so much violence that his image was suppressed by the Australian authorities. The artist used an old Western Highlands shield to create this piece. It has the traditional perforation pattern on the front and cassowary feather decorations and cane carrying strap behind. This mastery of Western-syle painting compares favorably with Andy Warhol and others in the Pop movement." (Catalog #587, New Guinea Art: Masterpieces from the Jolika Collection of Marcia and John Friede, 2005, Volume 2, p. 190.)

Related Keywords
Phantom The representing Shield Art Jolika recorded people culture Oceania Province Highlands Western Guinea New Armor Arms netting mosquito feathers cassowary string rattan cane metal paint Wood 0313200716200004 A383360 AOA