Australian Aboriginal Shield

[Lee]

It is summer flea market season again and you never know what you will find among all the anthropological debris mostly of the last century. Here is yesterday's find from walking the fields. I think it is a nicely worked example and I would appreciate any comments about localization of origin or age.

[Bob A]

There seems to be little wear observed on the decoratively striated hand grip of the piece. I'd expect more, and perhaps damage to the face of the shield, if used in a violent encounter. This is not to dispute its age or authenticity, of course.

[Tim Simmons]

Looks very nice. Lots of old weapons show little or no signs of combat. Wood again wood might not show so much?

[colin henshaw]

Nice shield, its from the Kimberly area of Western Australia. This type is sometimes referred to as a La Grange shield. Difficult to attribute age accurately, maybe late 19th/early 20th century. Congratulations, a good find.

[Lee]

Thank you for the insights. I find that a lot, if not most, of the things I have collected lack signs of actual combative use.

This is the third Australian Aboriginal shield that I have acquired over the years. The first came about 45 years ago in my very early days of collecting and features kangaroos and emus. I saw a few other items with this same motif at the flea market, but, of course, now they scream "tourist" at me. The second was a little larger and interestingly has a concave face. I suppose it too may have been for the traveler, but perhaps not.