ETHNOGRAPHIC ART AND ARTEFACTS
Friday, 14 - Monday, 24 March 2025

A PNG Highlands Wahgi Valley 'SP Beer' shield, decorated with 'South Pacific SP Lager Beer' details above a symbol flanked by axes. H.1450mm. W.295mm. Note: During the 1980's warfare re-asserted itself in the New Guinea Highlands, the first generation of educated warriors began to use 'new' motifs that often-used words. Designs incorporating Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola and SP Beer appeared. This shield with the SP Beer logo also incorporates two metal axes, part of the new armoury of new weapons in warfare. Soon after guns began to be used, and the wooden shields in the main Wahgi Valley all but ceased by about 2000. Provenance: Purchased from Chris Boylan Oceanic Art 2022 for $3,800. The Jorgen Lotz Collection.

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