About the Art
Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania, a region comprising the islands in the Pacific Ocean just north of Australia and west of Indonesia. These islands are subdivided into Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, and is located in Melanesia.
These clan shields are from April River, Upper Sepik, Papua New Guinea. The Sepik is the longest river on the island of New Guinea, the majority of which flows through Papua New Guinea. The tribes that live along the river are noted for their magnificent carvings. They are marked with either clan signs, bush and animal spirits with borders of crocodile teeth, cane or coconuts to identify the warrior or house owner. Men sleep under shields in the forest for protection against spirits.
