Paul Bong, Gub Shield

Intaglio Vinyl
60.5 x 31 cm

The shield is more than a tool of warfare; its significance begins long before it is held by a young man. Its creation is a sacred process. Two Elders carve the shield from the blue fig tree near the buttress pillar, imbuing it with their knowledge, authority, and care. This act connects the shield to the country, law, and the ancestors who hold the stories. Only after this process is complete is the shield presented to young men as they transition from boyhood to manhood.
The shield primarily serves as a defender, guarding not only the young man's body but also his spirit, identity, and future. Each carved or painted design is more than decoration; it is a map of ancestry, totems, bloodlines, and family connections. These designs are stories passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of knowledge, law, and cultural identity. Most shields feature white, symbolising the witchetty grub, and include the scorpion djumbunji design. The scorpion’s tail, depicted as a black triangle, represents strength and courage, representing the journey of young men as they move from boyhood to manhood. The grub design also holds deep meaning, as both the grub and the shield are unearthed and ancient, symbolising endurance and a link to the land.