Baluse (Nias' Shield)

Nias' Baluse

Origin: South Nias, Indonesia

Material: Wood, rattan

The war shield of Nias, which vary little throughout the island, can be recognized by their distinctly elongated oblong form and markings. Carved of a single piece of wood, a raised roundel with tapered sides protrudes from the centre from which a raised spine runs vertically the entire length. The top of the shields feature cut-outs, to allow the warrior a glimpse of the enemy before him. Likewise, the extended finial below functions as a stand. Horizontal ropes of twisted rattan are inserted through holes on both sides to add strength and increase flexibility. On rare occasions they are carved with zoomorphic motifs such as the lizards.