Help ID 19th Century Incised Parrying Shield

Boswego · 14th April 2006, 04:10 PM

I agree with the Australian Aboriginal comments,ie: the form,wood,motif all look right.The only thing thats a mystery is the complexity of the carving ! The tribal Aussies were fine carvers but generally their style is a lot simpler-maybe this craftsmen just had a lot of time on His hands.

Tim Simmons · 14th April 2006, 04:28 PM

It is possible that it may be from Islands around and NW of Australia where there could an "Australasian" influence. I only say this because of the rather strong formal patterns and the actual solidness reminds me of some shield forms from the eastern extremes of Indonesian cultures. This is just a thought.

Ian · 14th April 2006, 04:53 PM

I suppose it could be Fijian, but it just does not look particularly Fijian.

You might also check out the Torres Strait Islands. They are closer to Australia and the early- to mid-20th C. attribution might fit with a period of greater European contact with those islands.

Ian.

Battara · 14th April 2006, 07:41 PM

I have seen some earlier Australian shields like this.

Boswego · 15th April 2006, 03:12 AM

Battara-Do You recall where (website maybe) You saw the earlier Australian Shields ? I'll also see if I can find pics of the Torres Island Shields on the Web-thanks to all for the help.This site is an amazing resource !

14th April 2006, 04:10 PM	#1
Boswego Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 23	Australian Parrying Shield 18th-19th Century I agree with the Australian Aboriginal comments,ie: the form,wood,motif all look right.The only thing thats a mystery is the complexity of the carving ! The tribal Aussies were fine carvers but generally their style is a lot simpler-maybe this craftsmen just had a lot of time on His hands.

15th April 2006, 03:12 AM	#5
Boswego Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 23	Pics of the earlier Aussie Shields? Battara-Do You recall where (website maybe) You saw the earlier Australian Shields ? I'll also see if I can find pics of the Torres Island Shields on the Web-thanks to all for the help.This site is an amazing resource !

14th April 2006, 04:28 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	It is possible that it may be from Islands around and NW of Australia where there could an "Australasian" influence. I only say this because of the rather strong formal patterns and the actual solidness reminds me of some shield forms from the eastern extremes of Indonesian cultures. This is just a thought.

14th April 2006, 04:53 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,397	I suppose it could be Fijian, but it just does not look particularly Fijian. You might also check out the Torres Strait Islands. They are closer to Australia and the early- to mid-20th C. attribution might fit with a period of greater European contact with those islands. Ian.

14th April 2006, 07:41 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I have seen some earlier Australian shields like this.