Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2005-0006-0018   CAS 2005-0006-0018; Dance shield
Category Carvings; Ceremonial Items
Object Name Dance shield
Culture Melanesian: Northern Massim
Global Region Oceania
Country Papua New Guinea
State/Prov./Dist. Milne Bay Province: Massim District
County
Other Geographic Data Trobriand Islands
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. early 1900s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Wood; Plant fiber; Lime
Description Dance shield carved from single piece of wood in the form of a double-headed paddle representing two stylized canoe prows, joined together by a short cylindrical handle; Each canoe representation is carved on both sides with similar curvilinear designs that were originally filled in with lime; Two small bundles of plant fiber have been tied to each, possibly at a later date.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 17.0, Thickness = 2.7, Length = 58.0