A FINE AND EARLY BASKET, NORTH WESTERN ARNHEM LAND,

of elongated ovoid form, constructed of tightly and intricately woven pandanus fibre decorated with traces of red, pink, white and black earth pigments arranged in rectangular blocks outlined with red bands with traces of white overdotting; attached is a finely constructed bush string handle

The Holt Collection, Sydney
Private collection

This early basket is on a professional stand and has had no visible repair or restoration. There are areas of wear and pigment loss throughout many areas of the surface. First hand inspection is recommended.
"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. Davies, S.M. with R Stack, Collected: 150 Years of Aboriginal Art and Artifacts at the Macleay Museum, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2002, p.47, pl.19, for a similarly constructed example collected pre-1878, and Cooper, C. et al., Aboriginal Australia, Australian Gallery Director's Council, Sydney, 1981, p.177, pls.n299, n300 and n301 for three similar examples from the Kakadu region collected prior to 1912