Jamasji (war shield)
early 20th century
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
