Rainforest Shield

Unknown

mid- to late 19th century · Wood, paint · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Vibrantly patterned rainforest shields were made by the Yidinj people and neighboring clans from the region around Cairns in northeast Queensland. The shields were used in both combat and ceremony and were only carried by men, who would receive a shield following the completion of their initiation rites that marked the transition into adulthood.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid- to late 19th century

Medium

Wood, paint

Culture

Northeastern Queensland

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979