Asmat shield

early 20th century

While bullet-shaped shields that come from the Citak region tend to be very large, they are actually lightweight to enable easy maneuvering in the bush. Citak patterns are not easily recognized, and questions remain as to whether a human form is implied by the head and navel depicted here.

Wood and pigment

Overall: 86 1/2 x 23 1/4in. (219.7 x 59.1cm)

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

2004.241

Photo: Susan Cole

Not currently on view

Resources

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

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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