A Bagobo Warriors shield from Mindanao, Philippines

A large wooden shield for a warrior from the Bagobo people, Mindanao, Southern Philippines. Carved and painted with Moro like designs to the front and reverse, round central boss. A striking display piece and cleverly made from a single piece of light wood, intended to catch an opponents sharp weapon and pull it from his hand. The edges of the shield are pierced with muliple holes to take a horse hair edging. The front of this shield mainly around the centre has quite a few small dots and hole and slashes, and appears to possibly have been used for target practise at some point in its life!  Lacking a couple of crossbands and with some damage to the upper edge. Overall a rare piece, ideal for wall display. Late 19th century.

southern asia