This old Wundu shield was made out of a hardwood similar to Silky Oak (Lacewood) in the early 20^th Century by Aborigines in the Western Desert region of Australia. The front face is fluted in a Herringbone pattern. The back face has vertical fluting on both ends broken by horizontal bands. The handle is also fluted. Both surfaces are painted with red and black ochre. The ochre is missing at the bottom of the incisions and on some of the fluted ridges, exposing the beautiful Silky Oak grain. There are a few minor wood defects visible on the surface, including two fully intact knots. No cracks or other damage. It appears that this shield was made with a combination of stone and metal tools. This shield is in better condition than most that you will find. I acquired it from the Barclay Gallery in 1990. This is a large and very nice Aboriginal artifact.