
608 RECORDS OF THE S.A. MUSEUM 
spears, was supported on the arm by fresh loops of cane which were wound 
through the two lines of rectangular holes. When about to be used numerous 
small shells (Caput serpentis, Arabica and other small cowries), together with 
rattle pods and pandanus leaves, were suspended from the small holes appearing 



Fig, 1. Method of hold- 
ing heavy wooden shield 
(drawn from a photo- 
graph). 

along each lateral edge. The object of these decorations was to assist in making 
as much noise as possible and thereby to create an impression in the minds of the 
enemy that a large party of warriors were approaching. Since the shield was 
difficult to handle in jungle country, a shield-bearer was unable to carry any 
other weapon. <A raiding party which could spare four or five men to act as 
shield-bearers must be strong in numbers. Tomiarati said that a really expert ' 
shield-bearer was one who could so use his rattles as to create the impression that 
