This item is a hardwood shield with an integral handle carved into the reverse side. Both sides have parallel bands of deeply incised grooves running nearly perpendicular to the axis of the shield. This shield was probably made in the mid 1900s. Two small sections of the edges have very light and shallow splintering that is difficult to see, but you can feel it with your fingernail. This shield would display nicely with a group of other Aboriginal artifacts as properly made Aboriginal artifacts are becoming quite scarce. Length = 65 cm , Weight = 702 gm.