Elyabor or Korkor, Mendi Valley, Southern Highlands, PNG.

Theses underarm shields, used to protect the torso of an archer, are hung off the shoulder, and protect the side of the warrior. They were quite common at first contact time (1930s-1940s) but gradually ceased to be made; unlike the larger oval-shaped shields, the worrumbi.  This is a good old examole, with lovely patina. An abstract figure painted in red is engraved into the shield. Red is the colour of both “victory” and “revenge” among the Mendi.