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