Carved Wood Aboriginal Shield Western Australia

A tall and narrow parrying shield from the Aboriginal people living in the Western Australia. The piece was carved out of a single block of hard wood that is dense and heavy. Of a classic and distinguish spindle shape, a swell middle part integrates the handle on the back. The surface, both front and back, was carved with zigzag pattern that circulates radiating sun-like motifs. The carving was quite rustic, unlikely achieved with modern metal tools.
The shield shows off a graceful sculptural form but it also displays lots of patina, indicating it as a field piece used by the aboriginals rather than a tourist market piece. There are significant rubbing and wear on the handles and the convex part of the front. A few scattered holes suggest that they are the results of warding off projectile weapons per their in situ function. In addition, there are old marks and small surface split all over the piece. It is a lovely and authentic example of a parrying shield for collectors of aboriginal art.