A rare old Eastern Highlands shield from the Kanaman of Kinuri village. Decorated with small fine zig-zags carved into the surface and the top is bound with rattan. The original strap is intact and bilum bag still contains organic materials that would have held arrows. Dark patina from age and use and 3 leaves tucked on the front remain.
Provenance: From the estate of Dr. Robert Varney Elam, Seattle.
Label on verso reads, ‘J.B. Watson’ who collected the shield in situ and was known for his studies of the New Guinea Highlands for the University of Washington in the early 1960s. Such as the Micro-Evolution Study in New Guinea and its impact on the discipline of anthropology.
