Stock No..
s558

Igorot shield
A fine Bontoc war shield
Thick Bejuco bindings

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A fine Igorot war shield.

This very nice large wooden hand carved shield remains in very good condition throughout. 90cms tall, 30cms across the top tapering to 25cms at the base.
The shield is from the Bontoc tribe, Philippines. It is carved from a single piece of wood, bound with thick woven bejuco(Rattan). The deep shaped curvature is to protect the body from spears, arrows and headaxes.
The wood is thickest at the center point, the grip with a deep recess for the hand.
It carries a very nice old black patina, darkened from years of hanging near an open fire/cooking fireplace.
The cut out V-shape to the bottom of the shield is supposedly to hold an enemies head to the ground.
Small wear and binding loss to the top right side.

A very fine old war shield dating to the early 20th century.