We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Worimi , Gringai and Biripi people of the kutthung language the custodians, spiritual and Aboriginal owners of these lands. Also spelt kutthang, Worimi, Birippi and Gringai, Guringai.
Crafting a Shield: A Mangrove Masterpiece
In this video, Robert “Bob” Syron demonstrates the creation of a shield using traditional techniques. The mangrove timber for this project was sourced from the Port Stephens, Newcastle, Gloucester/Manning region of the NSW mid-north coast. While traditionally stone tools would have been employed, Bob utilizes modern steel tools for efficiency.
To bind the handle to the shield, two holes are made through the shield with 1inch each side of the handle protruding out of the face, a natural resin is crafted from beeswax, tree gum and grass tree by heating and mixing as one it is then glued on the handle. The handle is heated again over hot coals and inserted quickly when the resin is soft. The shield is then adorned with red ochre and white pipeclay, creating distinctive markings and symbolic patterns recorded at Port Stephens and farther North.
About the Creator
Robert Leslie Syron, Worimi/Gringai and Biripi Man also crafts Indigenous tools including boomerangs inscribed with traditional symbols. The following photographs show some of Robert’s handcrafted boomerangs made from a variety of timber found in the Gloucester area.Robert Leslie Syron has served in the Australia military and overseas on active service in Rwanda 1994 -1995. His Awards include the Infantry Combat Badge, Australian Active Service Medal, United Nations Rwandan Medal, Australian Defence Medal and the ANZAC Peace Prize 1995.
Cultural Acknowledgement
Gringai Barrington NSW
Registered Aboriginal owner of Worimi lands
Australian Aboriginal War Veteran
The following are some images documenting the shield making process
“Billy Johnston” An Early Manning Aboriginal (By F.A Fitzpatrick) The Maitland Mercury 20 Dec 1924.
Oral History Interview with Robert Syron – Sydney Oral Histories (2013)
Bob Syron
July 2024
Interview – Robert “Bob” Syron on ABC Newcastle with Laurice Dickson (7 August 2024)
ABC Newcastle “Woodwork helps Indigenous war veteran process ‘traumatic’ Rwanda deployment” (7 August 2024)
Further Reading
Guringai Kabook and Watoo People of the Guringai Barrington River Gloucester, NSW
2 thoughts on “The Art of Shield Making: A Mangrove Masterpiece”