Children and Papua New Guinea Canoe Shield

Let’s face it, children love all things that float, especially boats. 

So you can imagine a child’s fascination with an old canoe shield! This one has been in our home for many years and measures over a metre high and wide.Apparently, shields bearing large wooden faces or masks at their centre were erected in the prow of large war canoes used in the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. The purpose of the canoe shield was to protect the canoe paddlers from enemy spears.

 By exploring the artworks of other cultures, you are giving your child the benefits of increasing their cultural awareness and developing stronger empathy for other ways of life.

PS. My family are keen fishermen. I wish there was a shield that protected me from seasickness!