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Pair of Oceanic War Shields on Stands from Papua New Guinea

About the Item

A pair of Papua New Guinea wooden shields on custom stands from the mid 20th century. These oceanic war shields were not only created for protecting oneself for tribal warfare, but also in ancestral and ritual worship. They are adorn in various motifs, coloring and symbolism, intended to protect the carrier from magic and bring fear to the opponent. The shorter shield is from the Mendi area within the Southern Highlands. The taller shield originates from the Melpa tribe of the Western Highlands (Mount Hagen and Wahgi Valley), an area which was not discovered by the outside world until three Australian gold prospectors entered the region during their explorations in 1934. These shields are displayed upright on a custom black iron stand, with the tallest of the set standing at a height of over 5.5 ft tall. This pair of Papua New Guinea shields, from the mid 20th century, would make for an exceptional and thought-provoking artistic display, perhaps within a living room or study. Dimensions: Taller shield- 16.75 inches wide x 12 inches deep x 71 inches high Shorter shield- 19 inches wide x 12 inches deep x 56.5 inches high.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 71 in (180.34 cm)Width: 16.75 in (42.55 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Mid-20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Some wear on these pieces consistent with age and use. Please refer to the various additional photos for further condition detail.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Accessory #16491stDibs: LU876410603993
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