PAPUA NEW GUINEA SEPIK RIVER CANOE PROW SHIELD. Sepik River Canoe Prow Shield from Papua New Guinea. These shields were attached to the prows of war canoes for both protection and to intimidate enemies. They were believed to house protective spirits. The shield is constructed from materials such as palm leaf spathes, rattan, and carved wood, and features a central mask representing a clan protective spirit or ancestor. The mask typically has a long, narrow face with bulging eyes and a round, screaming mouth. These shields served as a defensive mechanism against arrows and also functioned as a symbol of power and protection.
