Dance Shield with Shell Inlay – New Georgia Island, Melanesia Superb wooden dance shield from New Georgia Island, in the heart of Melanesia. The front is carved with a striking spirit figure, highlighted with delicate shell inlay. Such shields were used during ceremonial dances and public performances, where they embodied spiritual protection and ancestral presence. The surface shows a fine patina and clear signs of traditional workmanship. Field collected in the 1990s. A powerful and decorative example of Melanesian ceremonial art. A strong and authentic ritual object from one of the most important artistic traditions of Melanesia Condition: Very good, with minor wear consistent with age and use We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol