Aboriginal Shield, Pilbara, Western Australia “Pretty Bloody Old”.

The previous owner, a crusty Pilbara gold miner, claimed this shield was “pretty bloody old”. My best guess is sometime mid twentieth century, but who knows. It’s pretty well made and similar to other shields I’ve seen that are around that age. It’s got a few chew marks at one end that are consistent with common rock rat (Zyzomys argurus) chew marks- a common species encountered in rocky areas and cave systems in the Pilbara. Whether these were made while it was tucked up in a cave or in the miners back shed, we will never know. I was never able to ascertain where he got it. While I haven’t touched it up, it would probably polish up pretty well.

Sad to let it go but I don’t have room for these things anymore.

Can post anywhere in Australia.