This shield comes from the Aranda aboriginal community located 120 km west of Alice Springs. 

Aboriginal shields were obviously used to protect against boomerangs and headbutts. These shields are often small and do not cover the entire body of the Aboriginal warrior. They were used to deflect their enemies' blows, like a bat or racket. The different shapes and sizes of shields also indicate that warriors used them offensively.

As the aborigines were not familiar with metal, their shields were made of wood. Shapes were carved or drawn on the shields to both frighten and impress their enemies. In fact, some of the painted or engraved motifs correspond to symbolic or figurative representations of their mythical ancestors.

Provenance: Collection of Jacques Villeminot (1924-2022)