Lot O3 - Gulf Province Shield

Gulf Province Spirit/Trophy Shield

Papua New Guinea — Mid 20th century
Height: 92 cm

Elongated carved wooden shield featuring bold geometric motifs in raised relief over a polychrome ground of white and ochre pigments. The central abstracted face motif and mirrored patterns radiate along the shield surface, characteristic of spirit or trophy shields created in the Gulf Province and adjacent regions of Papua New Guinea.

Such shields embody ancestral presence and were used in ceremonial exchange and spiritual contexts rather than purely functional warfare.

Good condition with age-appropriate patina and pigment wear consistent with mid-20th century origin.