Shield
| Culture | Olo |
|---|---|
| Title | Shield (Paraku) |
| Date | 19th or early 20th century |
| Medium | Wood and fiber |
| Dimensions | Object: 40 × 28 1/2 in. (101.6 × 72.4 cm) Overall: 40 x 29 1/2 in. (101.6 x 74.9 cm) |
| Credit Line | Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University |
| Accession Number | 76.127.1 |
| This artwork is currently on view. | |
A carved wooden shield, irregular in shape, with rounded edges and curved sides. There is an inscribed linear design on the center of the shield which involves paired coils at the top and bottom of an oblong shape, and another pair of coils straddling a circle shape at the center.
The shields of the Olo peoples are characterized by their curved vertical edges, and in the case of this example, the curving of the top and bottom of the shield as well. Made from a lightweight but thick wood, these shields are decorated with incised designs typically consisting of parallel lines and spirals. While it is unclear what the designs represent, the form--with spirals at the top, bottom, and center--is common, and a similar design has been found in the ceremonial houses of the area.
Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.
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Cite this page
"Shield | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=76.127.1