Summary
Central Australian shields were traditionally used as defensive weapons against spears and boomerangs in conflict situations. The surface of these shields were also decorated with designs representing the totemic ancestors of young men and displayed during the public stages of their initiation.
Local Name
Alkwerte
Physical Description
Oval shape shield made from softwood. Outer surface convex, inner surface concave and fluted on both sides. Coated with red ochre, the front is decorated with concentric circles and dots of white ochre and yellow ochre.
More Information
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Object/Medium
Shield
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Maker
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Cultural Groups
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Locality
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Date Produced
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Collector
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Date Collected
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Overall Dimensions
240 mm (Width), 85 mm (Depth), 747 mm (Height)
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Classification
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Date Made
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Maker
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Clan/Language Group
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Place Made
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Indigenous Region
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Collection Names
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Type of item
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Collecting Areas