Yidinjdi style shield, Star Fish
Maker
Michael Boiyool Anning
(1955)
Datebefore 1998
Object number00031474
NameShield
MediumSoftwood, natural orchres, ash fixed with aquadhere
DimensionsOverall: 1000 x 310 x 90 mm, 3.6 kg
ClassificationsCeremonial artefact
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionYidinji style shield made by Michael Anning featuring a star fish design. The shield is made from softwood, natural orchres and ash fixed with aquadhere. The reverse is black with a handle carved into centre, under the raised section on front.
The Yidinji (Yidinjdi) or Rainforest people traditionally moved seasonally between the Atherton tableland and the coast near Cairns, North Queensland.HistoryMichael Anning is of the Yidinji (Yidinjdi) or Rainforest people who traditionally moved seasonally between the Atherton tableland and the coast near Cairns, North Queensland. In 1936, the Yidinji where forced from the forests and his grandparents, Margaret and Gerald Anning, went to live at Palm Island. Anning always makes his own people's Yidinji style of shields, finding this information from the old people and looking at shields in museum collections.
Much of the men's art from North Queensland is embodied in the men's weapons; the clubs, boomerangs, spears and shields. These weapons where actively used until early this century. Warfare or fighting between Aboriginal groups was real, though sometimes took the form of ritualised displays of aggression. The weapons were also employed to great affect against the settlers, often in combination with European guns.
The shields played an important part in the initiation of young men, as each was given a bare shield to paint after he had received his final marks. The design he painted contained protective qualities.
SignificanceThe rainforest shield is unique in style differing from other Australian shields in shape, size and source of material. As well, the shield varies considerably in style within its geographical region.
