AN ENGRAVED BOAB NUT AND A CARVED AND PAINTED FROG, North West Australia

The boab nut engraved with an agula spirit figure, a sugar glider, larvae, a junvenile boab tree, stars and other motif's;  the frog with relatively flat, ovoid torso and pointed head, with small arms akimbo, with two slender legs of circular section extending from the body, painted in red pigment and decorated with black and white linear and dotted motifs

The boab nut and the frog figure are in a good and stable condition with no signs of repair or restoration, though the frog has suffered considerable pigment loss in areas
"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."

Kim Akerman has identified as central figure on the nut as an agula or 'spirit of the dead – a devil-devil', and writes, "The dominant agula presents the most interesting image. Equipped with a web-like nets it holds in both hands and with nodules depicted at elbows, hips and knees this spirit represents the demon Munubunu. Munubunu ensnares human beings in his nets and kills them, piercing them with a long bone o wood spike through their ears. The creature is so malevolent that cysts of poison form at its major joints".

Akerman comments on the frog that it is, "a finely carved and painted figure of a frog decorated in typical south-central Kimberley style. Whist there is no definite association of this figure with any ceremonial activity, frogs played an important part, or were referred to in some forms of rainmaking rituals performed in the area. In the 1960s, wangka dances relating to frogs were also performed at Kalumburu and Mowanjum".

Sotheby's wishes to thank Kim Ackerman for this catalogue entry.