These shields feature motifs designed to ward off evil spirits. Each image is created by two coiled, mirror-image figures that have been aligned back-to-back to create a fanged face with bulging eyes at the centre of each shield. This motif is typical of most Dayak shields and probably represents ‘Aso’, the dragon goddess of the underworld. These shields were probably used by male warriors as ceremonial dance accessories. Dayak warriors often attached tufts of human hair to their shields to show off their prowess as headhunters.
