Papua New Guinea shield urges voters on

Most voters on 6 May will be staring at a UK ballot paper, but visitors to the Pitt Rivers can see a more unusual election item. On display in the museum's newly reopened Upper Gallery is this battle shield that was adapted to urge people in Papua New Guinea to vote back in 1997. Made in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands Province in the 20th century, the shield was co-opted as an election banner in the country's general election in 1997. The message on the shield urges people to vote ('VOTIM') for a candidate named Kafe Kopi, with a helpful cross put in the box shown on the shield's base. The Pitt Rivers Museum is open every day of the week from 10.00am to 4.30 pm except Mondays, when the museum opens at midday. Its Upper Gallery reopened on 1 May, the final area of the museum to reopen after the recent £1.6m redevelopment, which was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other supporters.
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