Dance Shield

"Cassowary head shield"(kombe or diap korok kombe). Shield with image of cassowary head at top, cassowary feather necklace attached. Carved and colored geometric designs (white, ochre, terracotta on black field) fron and back, heart design on back above handle. Small chink out of casque of cassowary. Species of cassowary depicted is Casuarious casuarious, the southern cassowary, which has a high casque and wattle. This shield is in the Mandobo tradition. Started by Dako Watan, Dimin clan, Dome Village, who died before finishing it. Finished by Benedictus Nogawon, Kanggim clan, a refugee from Ambuan village, Irian Jaya, who was living in Dome refugee camp, and by Anselmos Yibi, Yibi agaimkaba clan, Wanggatkibi village, Irian Jaya, also living in dome refugee camp. Purchased from Nonggong Buyop, Yat clan. Kombut village, Irian Jaya.