ENORMOUS ASMAT CITAK FIGHTING SHIELD

Origin:   Irian Jaya, South Western New Guinea, Eastern to North East Asmat, Area C Citak Region  (Provenance: Acquired from an old Santa Barbara CA collection.  Complete details to be provided to buyer.  Originally purchased from a woman in Berkley CA, who made a trip deep into North East Region in 1970)

Period/Date:  Circa 1940's 

Materials:  Mangrove wood, Lime, Ocher and charcoal pigments

Description:  This HUGE graphic shield is deeply carved and astonishingly thin.  Although it is just 1/2" thick (1.5 cm) it is fire-hardened and quite strong.  There are at least four arrow point holes which have been filled with native pitch or resin.  There is an old linear crack on the upper right site and lower left side which have old stitched repairs.  The handle is original but has been reattached with old nails at some point.  It comes with a custom wall mounted display bracket.  This shield is far more impressive in person than the photos suggest.

Dimensions:   Height 76.5"  (194.3 cm), Width 24"  (61 cm)

Price:  SOLD