Unique Aboriginal INCISED DESERT SHIELD w/ Bullet Hole!
UNIQUE ABORIGINAL INCISED DESERT SHIELD W/ BULLET HOLE
Origin: Australia, Western Desert (Provenance: Found in an old Brisbane AU collection)
Period/Date: At least Circa 1900, possibly older
Materials: Hardwood, red ocher pigment
Description: This old shield is completely carved with fine fluted groves. The alternating diagonal patterns are divided by incised horizontal bands. What is so very curious about this example, is that it has a hole through the center which surely appears to be a bullet hole? It is on such an angle that it missed hitting the vertical handle but who knows about the guy holding it? Likely evidence from a skirmish? The wear seen on it is consistent with age and battle use. There is some minor chipping around the edge and the backside looks to have old varnish on it (a common thing to do 100years ago). A custom stand may be ordered for an additional fee.
Dimensions: Height 26 3/8” (67 cm), width 5 1/8” (13 cm)