Shield heart shaped,Mandang PNG
 

I hummed and harred for some time before taking this piece. Although not madly expecive, still a conciderable outlay for me!

A mid 20th century Manang Province heart shaped shield. Possibly from Mandi speaking people, small tribal groups occupying the same region. I took the plunge after some research. Mainly from " University of Hawaii Press Honolulu, Shields of Melanesia " I have uploaded the text for viewing. I hope this is okay with the rules of the site, if not then so be it. i hope it does not upload in too much of a muddle. Not strickly antique in the way of much daggers and swords but certianly has a place in the history of arms and armour. I have yet to recieve it, can't wait. With luck pictures of my item first. The text has come out in the right order. My shield is the colour picture 76cm long.

No I got it wrong. The first shield is probably Alome east central highlands on the middle reaches of the river Ramu. It is light in weight which it would need to be just hung from your shoulder on a loop. From further south in the central highlands I now have this other Mandi archers shield. This is heavy and is suspended differently, with a cord over the shoulder and across the back coming back to the shield at the bottom left.

Sorry Tim for correction, it is Mendi, not Mandi. BTW, a very nice one!

Regards,

Detlef