Historical information

This wooden shield was used in hand to hand fighting between Jaara people and other tribes and with European settlers. It was made for personal use by one warrior and would have been passed on to his next nearest male kin. If it did not fit them, it would have been placed with the body of the warrior.

Significance

This shied was gifted to Uncle Brien Nelson when he was working in Portland.

Physical description

This wooden fighting shield is undecorated and fashioned for use in either the left or right hand. It is elongated finishing in points at the top and bottom. It is carved from a single piece of wood and has a handle carved into the back.

Inscriptions & markings

The shield has some minor striations on the front which may have been produced during fighting