BIRRIKIDJI GUMANA

Painted at Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land
Private collection, South Australia

Bark is in fair to good condition though there have been many areas of loss to the white pigment and to a lesser extent other pigments; there is a hole for attachments made near the lower central edge of the work. There are numerous minor scuffs and fine surface cracks on the bark's surface.
"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."

This painting is sold with a photograph of the painting signed by the painter's son Gawirrin Gumana A.O., together with a letter from Buku-Larrngay Arts, Yirrkala, confirming the artist for this work.

Cf. For a closely related work painted in July 1967, now held in the collection of the National Museum of Australia, see Groger Wurm H.M., Australian Aboriginal Bark Paintings and their Mythical Interpretation, Volume 1, Eastern Arnhem Land, Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, Canberra, 1972, p.78, pl.100