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Shield

Josir
Shield
 (1979-1984)

Medium
earth pigments on wood, seeds, bamboo

Measurements
167.2 × 60.2 × 5.0 cm

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

Reproduction requests

Gallery location
Not on display

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Jipare village, northwest Asmat, West Papua

Accession Number
2003.115

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 leafate shaped shield decorated with carved solid horse-shaped patterns all heightened with red pigments. Asmat people used 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 use. These colours are thought to contain magical properties.

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