Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 275:
A distinct form of a Philippine shield attributed to the Bontoc people of the northern Philippines and now the Mountain region. The shortened and flattened points of the shield, two onone side and three on the other, delineate this style from the more well-known Igorot shield which has longer and sharp points. Shields of this type are associated with headhunting and would be carried alongside the classic Bontoc axe, which were used to cut the heads off of fallen enemies. Other shields of this type can be seen in the plates taken of Philippine arms captured during the Spanish American war and the Philippine Insurrection and kept at the Smithsonian Institution. The shield in the Schmiedt Collection of a solid piece of carved wood, but with some damage to the sides. The ‘damaged’ sides of the shield are a good sign of authentic tribal use as during wartime (before and/or after) all warriors would celebrate and while walking in a row tap with a stick on the sides of their shield. These shields were therefore also sometimes soundof tapping on the shields now at the National Gallery of Australia. Other early images of these shields were published in an ethnographic study of the Bontoc.Total length: 32 3/4", length of the blade: 15"Comparable auction sales:https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16146/lot/4010/https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16146/lot/4011/https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21588/lot/14/References:1. Krieger, H. (1926) The Collection of Primitive Weapons and Armor of the PhilippineIslands in the United States National Museum. Smithsonian Institution; United StatesNational Museum, Bulletin 1372. Jenks, A.E. (1904) The Bontoc Igorot. Manila. Dept. of InteriorDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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