Shields: Design and Functionality explores the history, artistry and cultural significance of traditional Aboriginal shields through a major exhibition at The University of Queensland’s Anthropology Museum.
The exhibition presents more than 130 shields dating from the early 1900s, highlighting the regional diversity of shield design across Australia. Traditionally used for demonstrations, conflict resolution and symbolic warfare, the shields reveal distinct artistic styles shaped by place and cultural practice.
Historical shields are presented alongside archival photographs documenting the people and communities connected to these objects, with material drawn from national and international collections. The exhibition also reflects ongoing research into the origins and cultural context of shields within the museum’s collection.
Contemporary works by Indigenous artists Bernard Singleton Jnr, Judy Watson, Paul Bong, Jennifer Herd and Dylan Sarra are exhibited alongside historical objects, demonstrating the continuation and evolution of cultural practice through new materials and forms.
