---
title: Aboriginal Australian Alkwerte - Shield
author: Jade Koekoe
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4366/aboriginal-australian-alkwerte---shield/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Aboriginal Australian Alkwerte - Shield

_Authored by [Jade Koekoe](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jmkoekoe/)_

## Image File

[![Aboriginal Australian Alkwerte - Shield](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4366.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4366.jpg)

## Image Caption

Collected by Museum Victoria in the 1950's from the Arrente clan/language group of Alice Springs, Northern Territory. An Alkwerte was used for a range of purposes: as a shield, to help create fire and in ceremonial performances. These shields are also presented to young men during *Apwelhe* (initiation). This shield was made using bat's wing coral tree, ochre and natural pigments. (Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Bunjilaka, Melbourne Museum)

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Jade is a Librarian with an avid interest in Roman and Greek architecture and ancient Middle-Eastern cultures.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/misskokothelibrarian)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Koekoe, J. (2015, December 21). Aboriginal Australian Alkwerte - Shield. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4366/aboriginal-australian-alkwerte---shield/>
### Chicago
Koekoe, Jade. "Aboriginal Australian Alkwerte - Shield." *World History Encyclopedia*, December 21, 2015. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4366/aboriginal-australian-alkwerte---shield/>.
### MLA
Koekoe, Jade. "Aboriginal Australian Alkwerte - Shield." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Dec 2015, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4366/aboriginal-australian-alkwerte---shield/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Jade Koekoe](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jmkoekoe/ "User Page: Jade Koekoe"), published on 21 December 2015. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.