Dayak shields

[asomotif]

Originally Posted by Battara

Barry some questions:

1. Are those with hair ceremonial or for warfare?

2. Do those used for warfare use painted faces for intimidation or are warfare examples plain?

3. If those with carving and paint are older, then what about those with only black and red paint, and bare wood?

Barry's answers are never to far off, as he seems to know something about almost everything.
Nevertheless I would like to give my short opinion on these questions.

1 + 2 : As we can see in old pictures there can be a variety of plain, decorated and hair shields (klebit bok) within one tribe. My guess is that need be, all of them will have been used for warfare.
Painted faces on the front will frighten the enemy but probably also bad spirits. As for example baby carriers are also decorated with faces to protect the child.

I have read that the faces on the front are to frighten the enemy, and the decorations on the back are to protect the warrior.

Shields without rattan enforcement would not be much use in a fight.
See also Maurice comments before.

3. : I guess here is a small misunderstanding and Maurice answered that one.

Best regards,
Willem