A Rainforest Shield, North East Queensland, Australia Late 19th Century

Carved fig-wood (Ficus alpipila), natural earth pigments, native binding fluids

Dr and Mrs Jan Olof Ollers, Stockholm
Sotheby’s, London, 30 April 1973, Lot 73
Private collection, London, acquired at the above sale         

The shield has had no repair or restoration. There are some areas of pigment loss, commensurate with age and use; generally in excellent condition for a shield of this age, retaining strong pigments. Minor evidence of battle scarring. Sold with a custom wall mount which enables the shield to 'float' out from the wall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. Howard Morphy and Elizabeth Edwards (Eds): Australia in Oxford, Pit Rivers Museum, Oxford, 1988, p.66, fig.84 for a similar kidney-shaped shield with undulating surface to both front and back.

A kidney-shaped shield of the type that is unique to the peoples of the rainforest region around Cairns, on the north east coast of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Fashioned from the buttress root of the native fig tree, these shields were painted by two men simultaneously executing a symmetrical design from opposite ends of the shield. The designs are usually abstractions of images of totemic natural species and phenomena, including medicinal plants and leaves, scorpions, fish and turtles. The shields feature a centrally located boss for strength. The ochre pigments painted on this shield have retained much of their original intensity: the detail of the markings within the yellow forms is an unusual feature for such shields.

WC