"The semi-triangular shape , small designs around the edge, and mirro image symmetry arcoss the vertical axis of the central design suggest that this shield comes from the Northwest Style Region of the Asmat area (map). Shields from other areas are longer, more fully rectangular, or divided into three distinct fields of design. The prjection at the top, with a huamn face, is more commonly found on shields from the Central Style Area and may refer to the ancestor for whom the shield was named. The imagery on the body of the shield may refer to ancestors associated with the one represented at the top."