War Shield, Telefolmin, Mountain Ok, upper Sepik River, Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea

Lynda Cunningham, New York, acquired in situ in the late 1960s or early 1970s

Very good condition overall with wear consistent with age and use. Minor nicks, scratches, abrasions and chips throughout and minor losses to the edges of the shield throughout consistent with use. Losses to the cane handles. Exceptionally fine old patina with deep encrusted old pigments. Has custom made floor stand.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This boldly carved and highly graphic shield is a classic example of the old war shields, atkom, produced by the Mountain Ok people of the Highlands of western Papua New Guinea. According to Barry Craig, "Mountain Ok shields were carried into battle by unarmed shieldbearers sheltering a line of bowmen behind them." (Craig in Hays, and Hellmich, eds., New Guinea Highlands: Art from the Jolika Collection, San Francisco, 2017, p. 527). Discussing shields from the Jolika Collection, Chris Boylan notes that "the Mountain Ok readily identify elements of the design - such as 'eyes', 'heart', 'arms', 'wings', 'hornbill beak', and so on - but never give an explanation of the overall design. It is probable that these names are merely names and do no necessarily indicate that the design elements carry meanings. [...] it is clear, however, that the shields as objects are thought of in anthropomorphic terms. They are given personal names and are believed to acquire courage against enemy arrows. Other qualities suggest that they are vehicles of ancestral power." (Boylan in Friede, Hays, and Hellmich, eds., ibid., pp. 148 and 153).