Warrior Shield ( Kelebit )

The Kenyah and Kayan peoples of Borneo produce spectacular painted shields.

The practice of killing members of rival communities to secure trophy heads was an important rite of passage for young men and essential to ensure the agricultural prosperity of longhouse communities. To illustrate a warrior’s prowess, tufts of hair taken from human victims were often inserted into perforations in a shield’s surface. While headhunting is no longer practised, decorated shields continue to be used for ritual performances.