LARGE POWERFUL DAYAK FIGHTING SHIELD
Origin:
Period/Date: Late 19th- Early 20th Century
Materials: Jelutong Wood, Hair from Human Victims, Charcoal oil Paint, Red Pigments.
Description: This LARGE dramatic warrior's shield called a "kelabit" is the best quality I've had in a years. Many of these shields are covered with so much hair that much of the design is obscured. This shield has a elegant balance allowing much of the powerful motifs to be revealed. The front has three "udog" monster faces with stylized aso motifs in the background. Its impressive back side is complex and embellished with similar motifs. It retains 95 percent of its original paint of black oil soot and red. It is reinforced by four horizontal bands of bound rattan which kept the wood from splintering apart when struck by a Spear or Mandau sword. The binding is beautifully intact having only slight losses. It is in fine condition showing obvious wear, use and soiling. There is an old chip to the upper right side with a stable minor crack. It comes with a custom wall mount allowing the shield to float 3 inches from the wall.
A very similar shield can be seen on page 23 of "Borneo, The Dayak in the Francois Coppens Collections". Exhibition Catalog Musee Departemental de Prehistoire de Solutre.
Dimensions: Height 54" (137 cm), Width 17" (73 cm)
Price: $9500 Currency Conversion FREE SHIPPING When Using "Buy Now" Feature
(Right Photo) Showing Wall Mount Bracket Attached
