Shield with Eagle Artwork by Mick Harding

This handcrafted timber Parrying Shield features an authentic turtle design by indigenous artist Mick Harding, a proud Taungwurrung Kulin man. Traditionally known as malgarr, these shields were used with liyangayil (fighting clubs) for hand-to-hand combat. Mick has replicated the traditional shape of these shields, attaching a hanger to the back for easy wall mounting.

The shield showcases Bunjil the wedge tailed eagle who created the Earth and all the living things in it. Once Bunjil finished creating the Earth, he and his six special men were blown by Bellin Bellin the Musk Crow’s winds to live in plenty in the sky as stars.

Crafted from Australian Red Cedar timber, each artefact includes an information card detailing the artist, artefact, and design, based on traditional symbols from South East Australia.