Mendi Shield with White and Orange Pigments, Southern Highlands New Guinea
This is an ancient fighting shield from the Mendi area of Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands Province. The shield has a fantastic aged and dark patina reverse, nice remains of white and orange pigments. Take notice of the interesting pecked design under the pigments and crater-like holes at the center for the rope handle and then two small ones along the top edge for attachments—all indicative of a very early example. This is one of the oldest Mendi shields I have had the pleasure to own with smooth rounded edges, glossy patina and an extraordinary roughhewn backside. It is 47 ½” (120 cm) in height, is pre-1920 and sells for $3800.