Asmat shield

Dateearly 20th century

Label TextTerror is triggered by the sight of moving shields in Asmat fields. Bursting out of a dense forest, the shields signal oncoming combatants as they dodge and lunge forward, leaping swiftly and making zigzag movements to fend off opponents. In a region of lush verdant growth, the shields presented as "billboards" to announce that warfare was to begin. Stark designs using white clay and red accents alluded to the blood of those about to become victims. Menacing images added their force--the flying fox, wild boar, praying mantis, hornbill and black palm cockatoo--are all present in this assembly. Warfare is a sacred duty laid down by a mythical hero, and every death has to be avenged to allow the souls of the dead to become ancestors. Filigree shapes cover this shield with signs that may signify the deadly assault of a praying mantis. Since the female praying mantis sometimes bites the head of her male partner after mating, her aggression is symbolically evoked to empower the Asmat warrior.

Object number2004.236

Photo CreditPhoto: Susan Cole

Published ReferencesMcClusky, Pamela, The Art of War, A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 139, illus. 118.

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Griffin, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

Dimensions71 x 20 1/2in. (180.3 x 52.1cm)

MediumWood, raffia and pigment