Shield (a) back, Kowanyama Land and Natural Resources Management Office, March 16 1997 [PH].

Shield (a) front, Kowanyama Land and Natural Resources Management Office, March 16 1997 [PH].

Shield (b) back, Kowanyama Land and Natural Resources Management Office, March 16 1997 [PH].

Top: shield (c) front; below: shield (b) front, Kowanyama Land and Natural Resources Management Office, March 16 1997 [PH]. The Australian 50 cent coin, roughly 32 mm in diameter, allows for an estimation of size.

Top: shield (c) back; below: shield (d) back, Kowanyama Land and Natural Resources Management Office, March 16 1997 [PH]. The Australian 50 cent coin, roughly 32 mm in diameter, allows for an estimation of size.

Shields are used as protection when fighting, particularly against flying spears and clubs. Shields are commonly painted decoratively with red ocre and white paint, and used during ritual dances.