Title
Shield
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Nias Island, Western Sumatra, Indonesia Archipelago
Object Type
Dimension
Object size: L128.3 x W30.3 CM
Accession No.
1991-00145
Collection of
This hand-carved, wooden shield in the form of a leave is called a baluse. Made from a single piece wood, it has a raised rib pattern that runs along the body. A round knob at the centre covers the hand hole. The shield is reinforced by horizontal rattan bindings, which prevents the shield from splitting lengthwise when struck by a sword. While the surface of the shield is usually left undecorated, sometimes it may have painted motifs or intricately carved images. Shields such as this were used by young warriors of Nias in war dances and rituals to prove their worth as men, warriors and husbands.
