Asian and Australian shields
 

I am a new member and a serious collector of Asian and Australian Shields. I look forward to sharing information with like minded souls.

Bill

Hi Bill,

welcome to the forum. We have meet not long ago at a other place. Hopefully you will share also pictures of your collection with us.

Best regards,

Detlef

Welcome Bill.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

Gavin

Hi Bill,
Welcome to the forum. I am looking forward to any Chinese shield examples you might be willing to share.
Neil

Welcome to the boards. I know little to nothing about shields but there are many here who will be able to have discussions with you about it and I look forward to reading and learning

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS, WE ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING NEW ITEMS FROM FELLOW COLLECTORS AND LEARNING NEW THINGS. EVEN AUSTRALIAN SHIELDS COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF TYPES STYLES AND PERIODS SO I WILL ATTEMPT TO START A POST ON THEM AS BEST I CAN. I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN THINGS AUSTRALIAN BUT HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN THEM FOR QUITE A LONG TIME AND CAN PUT FORTH QUITE A FEW PICTURES COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS. FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ANY MISTAKES I MAY MAKE OR ADD TO ANY OF MY COMMENTS. :)

Some shields in my collection
 

This is my first post of photos. I hope it works. If so I will put more on soon.

chinese shield
 

I would appreciate any information regarding this shield.

CONGRADULATIONS :)
YOU HAVE SOME NICE SHIELDS. SOME VERY NICE AUSTRALIAN SHIELDS. I CAN'T HELP MUCH WITH THE OTHER SHIELDS BUT THERE IS LIMITED INFORMATION AND PICTURES ON THE POST ON AUSTRALIAN SHIELDS. FEEL FREE TO ADD TO OR CORRECT ANY INFORMATION ON THAT POST. THE THIRD SHIELD REMINDED ME OF SOME DESIGNS I HAVE SEEN FROM TORAJA.
I JUST SAW THE POST ON SHIELDS FROM TAIWAN AND YOUR EXAMPLE THERE AND NOTED SOMEONE ELSE MENTENONED TORAJA DESIGNS. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING AND DO YOU JUST COLLECT SHIELDS? I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE OF YOUR COLLECTION. :cool:

Bill, I think the round shield has more Chinese characters at the back but not fully shown in the photograph. Those characters might provide clues of its history.

I have two of these Papuan Central Highlands bowman shields very similar to the one you have. Interesting that they are about the same size, however they are quite different. One is relatively finely carved displaying the stroke of the adze. The timber is light, the shield weighs 1.422 kg. The design on the front appears to have been painted with imported paints? I am not completely sure but the paint is certainly different or more sophisticated than earth based pigments. This shield is old probably 1960s - 1970s when traditional warfare had yet to become trade axe and shotgun to AK47. The other is much more roughly hewn as if just a thick slice split from a large timber log. This shield weighs almost twice the other example, being 2.507 kg. The shield is painted with the usual earthen pigments. Could possibly be a decade or two older.

I have yet to get an Australian shield. In spite of the fact that they are extremely common, several available on ebay each week, and traditionally made throughout the 20th century. They are so over priced as is they are rare and antique.

underarm shields
 

The answer to your question is that these two shield come from very different places. The one on the left with the more crescent shape is from the Madang area of the North Coast while the rough cut one is from the Southern Highlands

Sadly I have to tell you that Bill Eavans, the publicator of "War Art & Ritual" deceased at Valentins Day after a long fight!
I was in contact with him over several years, rest in peace Bill!

Sad news.
R.I.P. Bill Evans

I traded a Bagobo shield for this large Moro shield, with Bill many years ago.

Bill bought several shields over the years from me, one he has published in his publication.

Detlef,

you sure have a broad knowledge and keen eye to spot beautiful objects and the catalogue is beautiful but with a hefty pricetag to get sent from Australia. Sorry to read your aquintance died recent.

Thank you Martin! The two books are offered in the Netherlands also like a quick search showed.

Regards,
Detlef

平中 píngzhōng - justice, impartiality

The dictionary notes that this is an obsolete expression.

Unfortunately, I'm late. Let this be a small sign of respect for the memory billevans.