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Jamasji (war shield)

Photo: Paul Macapia

Jamasji (war shield)

early 20th century

Irian Jaya

New Guinea

Asmat

When new, shields with bright designs stood out against a forest environment. All materials were derived from the forest. Huge buttress roots of swamp-growing mangrove trees were carved into shield shapes. White clay was accented by red as an allusion to the blood of the victims to come. Battle worn, this shield bears a few arrow and spear scars and has lost its striking contrast of bold white and red pigment.

Wood, lime, clay and fiber
66 x 22 x 3 1/4in. (167.6 x 55.9 x 8.3cm)
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
60.22
Provenance: [Carlebach Gallery, New York]; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum (Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection), 1960
Photo: Paul Macapia
location
Not currently on view

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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