Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
C09.508.1 |
Title |
Baluse |
Object Name |
Shield |
Description |
Narrow, nearly oval shield with central boss over hole for hand-hold on back and central rib which projects beyond ends; strengthened by strips of rattan and twisted fiber bands; some decorative marks on boss; old paper label reading "Athenaeum 3." |
Year Range from |
1750 |
Year Range to |
1800 |
Artist |
Unknown |
Dimensions |
W-11.625 L-54 inches |
Material |
Nibong wood? |
Place of Origin |
Island of Nias, off west coast of Sumatra |
Provenance |
Brought back from Pulo-Neas by Henry Burroughs in 1804. Old catalogue reads: "Shield & Spear purchased by Henry Burroughs in the Island of Pulo-Nyeas in the Indian Seas in February 1804 (of the Ship Eliza from Loosoo[?]). The Island of Pulo-Nyeas lies to the westward of Sumatra under the line...The inhabitants who are small sized shelter themselves behind the shield by leaping from the ground when their adversary throws his spear - then they approach to throw theirs." Henry Burroughs was the brother of the donor. |
People |
Burroughs, Charles, 1787-1868 Burroughs, Henry, 1783-1870 |
Subjects |
Nias Indonesia Indian Ocean Arms Warfare |