DONKEYMAN LEE TJUPURRULA

Gifted in the early 1970s to a school teacher by Donkeyman Lee during her tenure at the Balgo Hills school, 1968-1974
Private Collection

Coolamon is in sound condition thought the pigments are relatively unstable allover and have suffered substantial losses
"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."

Although painted by and collected from the now noted Pintupi artist Donkeyman Lee (Jitar) Tjupurrula in 1978 at Balgo, Western Australia, the elegant lines of this coolamon suggest it was probably manufactured further east at Yuendumu and transported to Balgo along the great exchange routes that link far-flung communities across the Australian arid zone.

Known as manmar by the Pintupi and Kukatja, this deep coolamon was probably painted by Donkeyman prior to passing it on. The simple but striking, female figure probably refers to the Munga-Munga Women, a group of travelling women who, pursued by a male intent on rape, emerge from the ground in an area known as Yabunu to the south west of Balgo.

Sotheby's wishes to thank Kim Akerman for this catalogue entry