A Rainforest Shield, North East Queensland Late 19th Century

Carved fig-wood (ficus alpipila), natural earth pigments, native binding fluids, sap and nails

The Thomas Vroom Collection, The Netherlands

Mémoires Vives. Une Histoire de l'Art Aborigène, Musee D'Aquitaine, Bordeaux, France, 15 October 2013 - 30 March 2014

The shield has had no repair or restoration. Nine nails, inserted and bent over, run intermittently along the facing right hand edge, presumably to provide reinforcement in battle. Three holes in the upper register, two of which appear embedded with spear tips. There are several areas of minor pigment loss, commensurate with age and use. Many marks and scuffs inflicted by sword clubs as a result of the shield's use in battle. Sold with a custom wall mount which enables the shield to 'float' out from the wall.
"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. Sotheby's, Aboriginal Art, Melbourne, 25 July, 2005, Lot 14, for another shield with evidence of battle scarring; Davies S, Collected 150 Years of Aboriginal Art and Artifacts At the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney 2002, p.76, pl.85.

The designs on shields such as this are associated with clan totems and are thought to possess protective qualities when used in battle with large single-handed sword clubs. The shields also played an important role in the initiation ceremonies of young men. This example shows evidence of extensive use in combat, and has several nails embedded along one edge for fortification.

“Lumholtz (1889) recorded that shields of this type where used to deflect spears, clubs and boomerangs during large gatherings of Aboriginal people, where disputes between individuals and groups were settled. He also noted that the designs applied to the front surface of such shields differed, suggesting that they constituted an individual's 'coat of arms'.” Ibid. p.76