miri

The shields displayed here are all miri, broad shields used in fighting to protect against boomerangs and spears. They are carved from single pieces of softwood such as beantree. Miri are held by handles carved into the wood. Sometimes they are grooved and they may be painted. Shields used to be traded widely across Central Australia - north to the Roper River and south to Birdsville and Oonadatta. They are still valuable trade goods.