Fantom

The contemporary all-metal shield is a product of its time, having been used after its production in 1998 in inter-tribal fighting. Made from a 44-gallon drum, it is emblazoned in enamel paint with an image of the Phantom, a comic book superhero popular in the Wahgi Valley of Papua New Guinea. The Phantom, a contemporary symbol of invincibility, warns the owner’s opponents to beware of the man who never dies. The image of the Phantom, a ‘good guy’ is related to the ‘moral uprightness’ of warriors who must be blameless if victory is to be achieved. Other contemporary shields feature written inscriptions such as SIX 2 SIX, ironically inverting an invitation to an all night beer party into a challenge to fight from dawn to dusk, or incorporate beer and football logos, symbols of male bonding, but also the spark for many clan flights.

In common with other Wahgi shields, the design elements of this shield are large and bold to enhance the impression of indomitable power made by its bearer upon his opponents and to enable its bearer to be recognised at a distance on the battlefield. The use of enamel paint accords with the Wahgi aesthetic, because shininess has implications of beauty, vigour, strength and health so the shield’s enamel sheen would add to the power and beauty of the shield.

The replacement of stone axes with steel and the introduction of homemade guns in the Minj region of Papua New Guinea after 1986 led some men there to experiment with all-metal shields such as this which generally worked well against shotgun pellets especially if the shield-bearer turned the metal shield as the gun fired to help deflect the shots.

Text by Judith Ryan © National Gallery of Victoria, Australia