This is the back of an old Aboriginal shield I've just put on eBay (id: lewispaul*com). It's about 60 years old, and from the Central Desert. Fighting use, yes, but also often held down and cross-rubbed with a boomerang to produce fire. The red is ochre from the ground: serious ritual colour, but also stops bugs ...

This is the back of an old Aboriginal shield I've just put on eBay (id: lewispaul*com). It's about 60 years old, and from the Central Desert. Fighting use, yes, but also often held down and cross-rubbed with a boomerang to produce fire. The red is ochre from the ground: serious ritual colour, but also stops bugs ...