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Shield

Asmat people, West Papua
Shield
 (1979-1984)

Medium
earth pigments on wood

Measurements
205.1 × 53.0 × 9.0 cm

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through the NGV Foundation by Chris Boylan, Governor, 2003
© the artists

Reproduction requests

Gallery location
Not on display

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Darium Hitam River, east Asmat, West Papua

Accession Number
2003.112

Department
Pacific Art

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation

Physical description
The oblong shaped shield decorated with two rows of red and white scroll works. Asmat people use three colours: white, red and black. White paint called mbi is made from mussel shells; red paint called wasah is taken from the ground and burned before used, while black colour called sosak is made from crushed charcoal obtained from the fire. These colours are thought to contain magical properties.

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