Mirrimangauntamirri (Old Dick) circa 1905-1972

Natural earth pigments on carved ironwood

Acquired from the artist at Bathurst Island by Lance Bennett, in 1965
The Thomas Vroom Collection, The Netherlands

Australië: het land en de mensen, Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden, 6 October 2005 - 27 August 2006
Australia: The Land, The People, Gyeonggi Provincial Museum, Yongin - Korea, 18 October 2006 - 25 February 2007
Theme Park - Brook Andrew, AAMU, Utrecht, 17 October 2008 - 1 April 2009

 

We believe there to have been no repair or restoration to the figure. Several areas of pigment loss throughout, as visible in the catalogue illustration. All remaining pigment appears stable. Some thin stable cracks and minor losses throughout, commensurate with age and traditional use. Fine varied patina to the ironwood. The figure is mounted on a custom metal stand, via a small hole in the base of the sculpture.
"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."

A disturbingly powerful image of a male figure, this sculpture possesses an encrusted patina and is distinguished by the lug under the base and the rounded headpiece which suggest how human figures can be incorporated into the large Tutini or Pukumani burial posts.

In Lance Bennett’s accompanying documentation he notes that this sculpture “was carved with a ‘peg’ under its base, similar to the peg of a full sized mortuary pole. The intention was to plant it in the earth in the midst of a group of carved and painted Tiwi mortuary poles ‘planted’ around the grave of a deceased Tiwi”. He notes further that, “the design elements of which the carving has been painted are all traditional to the Tiwi”.

WC