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- Carved in hardwood of elongated ovoid form, the front deccorated with deeply fluted zigzag motif divided in three sections infilled alternatviely with red and white pigment. Shields were used as protective devices in many but not all areas of Aboriginal Australia. Made of both hardwood and softwood, they were generally used to deflect missiles and stop clubs. Some shields were designed for specific types of fighting.
Western Desert Australia, softwood shields with fluted surfaces provided protection in times of conflict. These shields are another example of a multi-purpose implement. The hollowed-out handle formed a cavity or small bowl in which ochres could be prepared, the convex surface could be used for lighting fires by the sawing method, and when painted with the appropriate designs the shield was transformed into an important ritual object.