A Telefolmin shield, Oksapmin language group, Star Mountains, Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea.Of classical form, the shield shallowly carved with linear and spiral designs punctuated with red and white infill, the raised areas blackened. Fiber attachment to the top and bottom crossing at the back for carrying purposes. Post World War Two example, likely made for sale or dance purposes, though by the same traditional carvers who had made original examples earlier.The abstracted Shields of this region are highly sought after. This example, field collected in the early 1980s is probably a very early piece specifically made for traditional dancing or for sale rather than warfare, due to the shallow carving and the slightly above average size.Acquired by Marc Seidler in the Telefolmin area in the 1980s. The Shield measures 76.5 inches tall x 19.5 inches wide.

Well handled and worn, Good condition