Biwat or Angoram War Shield, Yuat River, Lower Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea

John J. Klejman, New York
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above on April 3, 1964

Very good condition for an object of this type and great age. Carved with stone tools. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips throughout. Edges with small losses around holes for attachments. Approximately 13 cm narrow aperture to lower left corner, eroded from insect damage. Vertical age crack to top left side. Old losses to handle on reverse. Loss to top finial as seen in catalogue photographs. Loss to bottom right edge as seen in catalogue photograph. Some old insect casings in crevices. Fine aged dark brown patina with remains of white pigment.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to Kjellgren (2007: 99), "Carvers from the Angoram and Biwat peoples living in the area around the junction of the Yuat and Sepik rivers produced a similar variety of war shield, characterized by a central column of three to six superimposed faces, whose eyes are often surrounded [...] by bristly, upward curving projections. [...] In former times, shields of this type were reportedly used in battle to protect the owner from spears.  According to Beta Omang, a Biwat man from Akuran village, the faces on the shields depict Raram, a powerful spirit, and the bristlelike elements around the eyes represent spears (damvro).  [...]  Given the hazards and uncertainties of combat, the addition of such powerful images to war shields may have been intended to afford the bearer an added measure of supernatural protection."

For two closely related Biwat shields see Friede (2005 cat. nos. 148 and 149).