- 261
A FIGHTING CLUB, NORTH WEST ARNHEM LAND,
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 AUD
bidding is closed
Description
- Length: 136 cm
carved in hardwood of bi-convex section, with paddle-like blade decorated in finely painted traditional herringbone motifs in white pigment divided by cross bands in red and white pigment in three sections tapering to a fishtail-like grip bound with finely wound bush string impregnated with traces of resin and red pigment, old, glossy patina
Provenance
Private collection, UK
David F. Rosenthal, San Francisco
Private collection
David F. Rosenthal, San Francisco
Private collection
Condition
The paddle is in very good condition though pigments are worn and there are areas of bush string binding missing from teh handle, as evident in the catalogue and online illustration.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Cf. Davies, S., Collected: 150 years of Aboriginal Art and Artifacts at the Macleay Museum, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2002, p.23, pl.12 for three similar clubs collected in the Port Essington area before 1878. This club compares favourably with those collected at Port Essington pre-1878 and now in the Macleay Museum. The Macleay's catalogue states that Basedow (1907) recorded that this type of club was used during fighting at close quarters and that it was used 'to strike and ward off blows'. The catalogue also suggests that the painted decoration indicates that they may have had a ceremonial purpose