War shield decorated with an alternating geometric pattern in red and white between a crenellated pattern above and below; on the reverse a meandering ' backbone'.
This shield was published in the book “Rossel & Wentholt (2008), Tribal Treasures in Dutch Private Collections”, p. 141
Extract : the eastern Asmat are also known as the cultural group called Citak. They are one of the four scattered cultural areas of the Asmat. The Citak are mainly known for their more than human-sized shields with a round upper side. The shield has a subdivision analogous to the human body. The red, trapezoidal surface in the centre represents the forehead; the black/white triangular panels depict the cheeks. Here the body is designed in a strictly geometric concept and consists of red and white, rectangular planes in an alternating pattern that is linked by means of small squares. A crenelated pattern closes the top and bottom. The foot is a narrow rectangular field in white and black. Nothing is known about the significance of this unique geometry. The back of the shield has a carved zigzag motif in high relief along the central axis. With a rectangular handle in the middle.
The shield was exhibited in Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal (Netherlands), ' Van Verre Volken Thuis. Kunst in de Kamer, Oct. 4 2008 - Jan. 4 2009.
Wood, red, white and black pigment.