Wunda shield
Date1850-1950
Object number00055498
NameShield
Mediumnatural earth pigments, carved hardwood
DimensionsOverall: 655 × 155 × 53 mm, 769 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionA traditional wunda shield from Western Australia. An elongated oval shape, this wunda features decorated with straight lines that become diagonal in the middle and are highlighted with red pigment in alternating pattern. There is a handle carved at back of the shield, which is covered with linear patterns and red pigment.
Wunda were orginally widespread in Western Australia and were used both in fighting and for ceremonial purposes.HistoryThe Wunda shield is one of five types identified as traditionally appearing throughout what is now known as Western Australia. One purpose of the wunda shield was in combat to deflect spears and its presence in various regions suggests it was also an item of trade throughout the exchange systems that existed amongst communities. Smaller sized wunda were also known to be used in male ceremonial dances.
The repeated zig zag patterns on the front of wunda shields are routinely incised and highlighted by red and white ochre. The repeated patterns are associated with water - tides, floods, ripples and bodies of freshwater.SignificanceThe wunda shield represents the diversity of salt and freshwater communities of Western Australia. As a weapon it illustrates the fighting and parrying traditions of these communities and Aboriginal lore of protecting and defending country.
