NIAS ISLAND, Indonesia. Wood, reddish-brown patina, fibre cord. For a long time, the people of Nias lived in a state of perpetual conflict, defending themselves against slave raiders or engaging in inter-tribal warfare. Nias society developed a culture of war, and young men were bred to become fierce warriors. This 'Baluse' shield, which was used for war dances and parades, is a perfect illustration of the Nias' skill in making warlike objects. According to E. E W. Schröder, the Baluse shield's shape and sculpted motifs are reminiscent of a stylised crocodile. According to Elio Modigliani, the shape could be reminiscent of a banana leaf. Height: 115 cm. Literature : - Nias" Ethnographische, geographische en historische aanteekeningen en studien. Door E. E. W. s. Schröder, Volumes 1 to 2. - Elio Modigliani (13 June 1860 - 6 August 1932) was an Italian anthropologist, zoologist, explorer and plant collector. Between 1886 and 1894, Modigliani explored Sumatra and a number of islands off its west coast. [2] His first trip, in 1886, was to the island of Nias, where he explored the southern region (Nias Salatan), travelling among the tribes of head-hunters.