Shield (Ifugao)

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One-piece handle and top surface, arched like a roof towards the center of the top surface, so that the greatest depth is 12cm. Dark brown. Above three below 2 points, which were created by oval notches in the shield (dimensions of the notches: above 13.5 / 8cm, below 13 / 12.5cm). Below or above these notches, 2 rattan straps each, each made up of 4 strips, run across the handle and top surface; with another rattan strip, the band is "sewn" through 8 or 9 holes to the sign. On the back there is a vertical bar handle, which was created by hollowing out the wood (L.:9cm; W.:9cm; D .: 3cm).
Due to the type of handle, the shield belongs to the parrying shields according to the classification of Schmitz (1963: 62). This type of shield is characteristic of all population groups in the mountainous province of Northern Luzon, it is especially used in close combat. There are also other shield shapes, including those of the Ifugao (Barton 1919, plate 28; at a rice ceremony). The shield is carried in the left hand, as all photos show during use (Cole 1922: 379, plate 44; Krieger 1926: fig. 18; Juynboll 1928: plate 12, fig. 5, here in miniature by of an ancestral statue), while in Europ. Museums is often hung incorrectly with the two points facing up (Juynboll 1928, pl. 11; Schmitz 1963: 63). The function of the notches is as follows: in the two upper notches the legs of the opponent are to be caught and after an ax blow on his head, the lower notches are to enclose his neck before the winner takes his head. The rattan strips around the handle and top surface are supposed to stabilize the handle, on the other hand, small, pointed bamboo toe sticks on the back of the shield are stuck between them on the back of the shield, with which one later makes the path of the pursuer more difficult (Cole 1922: 373,378)

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