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19a
24. In the Rockhampton [D]istrict, shields are all made from the local "cork-wood", the rumul of the Tarumbal [B]lacks, and present a more or less similar shape (Figs. 35, 36)*: an elongate oval, with flat (Figs. 37, 39), in some cases approaching a markedly convex, (Fig. 40) posterior surface, and incised handle. Each main encampment too used separate characteristic gravings on the anterior surface:-
(a) Rockhampton and Gladstone. Two transverse incisions, comparatively deep on occasion, divide it into a large central and two small terminal compartments (Fig. 41): the former is coloured blackened with charcoal grease, the latter whitened. Two specimens measured from 21 to 21½ in. long, 8½ to 9 in. wide, and 2½ to 3½ in. thick; in the smaller, the handle groove extended close to the sides of the weapon (Fig. 38), a somewhat unusual feature in the locality.
(b) Yeppoon. Three transverse, and one longitudinal band, raised slightly above the general surface: these are blackened, the intermediate spaces being whitened (Fig. 42). Sometimes, patterns of red and black may be observed in addition, either in alternate rows or in their entirety, independently of the graving, but their colouring would appear to be empirical. The number of transverse raised bands - up to four, even five - usually varies with the size of the weapon. From 20 to 21½ in. long, 9 to 10 in. wide, and 2 to 3½ in. thick.
(c) Marlborough. There are two transverse incisions with a contained raised pattern in the form of a cross (Fig. 43): the posterior surface also has a raised pattern of the a crossed type [sha?] (Fig. 44). These shields are sometimes to be seen painted, but the colours vary. A specimen, with slightly convex back, measured 20 x 9 x 2½ in.
*"Garlmarry" type - see Etheridge Proc. R. Soc. N. S. Wales, (21, IX, 1874, p. 514, pls. XXXIII, [Fd] [Journal] Anthrop. Inst., XXVI, 1896, p. 157 [?], vi, figs. 7 & 8