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War shield (Jamasji)

early 20th century

Considered extremely remote, the Brazza River area is now uninhabited. Bras shields carry a human figure that takes a moment to recognize: a face appears at the top that has a white tip and spiral eyes; a body filled with hooks surrounds the navel at the center; and a broad straight base at the bottom serves as the foot of the shield.

Wood, lime, clay and charcoal

53 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1 3/4 in. (135.89 x 39.37 x 4.45 cm)

Gift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam

94.113

Provenance: Carved in Patipe Village, prior to 1986; collected in Patipe Village by Todd Barlin; purchased from Mr. Barlin by Scott Rodolitz; acquired by Mark Groudine, by 1994; gift from Mr. Groudine to Seattle Art Museum, 1994

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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