Shield

Unknown

16th–19th century · Cane, brass · Arms and Armor

Sumatran peoples crafted shields for war and for ritual dance from a variety of local materials, including coiled and woven cane, as seen in the two shields here (acc. nos. 36.25.602, .620). Their surfaces feature geometric decorations that incporporate star-shaped brass mounts. Common to shields from Suamtra, the motif is thought to represent the seven stars of Ursa Major, also known as the Big Dipper.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–19th century

Medium

Cane, brass

Culture

Sumatran, Batak

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935