Hanko, Fore People, Eastern Highlands, PNG.

This is an old shield, carved from a wood called verafa. The surface is covered with fine engraving; and the shield trimmed with a band of darkened pandanus leaves, stitched on with fine fibre.  The painted design, a powerful creator serpent, pays no heed to the underlying engraved designs. On the back is bag (for exta arrows) and a supporting rope higher, to hold these arrows strongly. Collected by local Kamano chief, Kamda Kubo in the 1990s.