A RAINFOREST SHIELD, BALAN BIGIN, CARDWELL RANGES, NORTH EAST QUEENSLAND LATE 19TH CENTURY |

Private Collection, France Engraved with the name “DICK” in typeface on the reverse

Please note, there is significant damage to the proper right side of the shield. A number of dents extend horizontally across the shield, and there are numerous minor dents, chips and scratches over the shield, with loss to the wood to the lower proper left side to the reverse of the shield. A large crack approximately 30 cm long runs down the shield from approximately 10 cm from the top to the proper left side of the central nub, the crack runs in line with the grain of the wood. The pigment is generally in good condition, there is an area of minor damage to the pigment in the lower proper left corner and minor fading to the pigment throughout the shield, especially to the edges. There is a black mark to the centre of the nub, and a dark mark to pigment approximately 10 cm long by 4 cm high to the upper centre visible in the catalogue photography. Engraved with “Dick” on reverse. There does not appear to be any visible evidence of repair or restoration, and the damage and wear is consistent with the works use and age. This shield is mounted on and sold with a custom made stand.
"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. Julie Simpkin and Therese Osborne (eds.) Encounters: Revealing Stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Objects from the British Museum, National Museum of Australia Press, 2015, p.113 (illus.) for a shield of similar asymmetrical form from the same region collected from Rockingham Bay circa 1867; for related examples see Davies, S., Collected: 150 Years of Aboriginal Art and Artefacts at the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney, 2002, p.76, pl.85. The designs of 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. These shields also played an important role in the initiation ceremonies of young men.

This particular example is from the area around the Tully River and shows evidence of extensive use in combat. “Lumholtz (1889) recorded that shields of this type were 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 shields differed, suggesting they constituted an individual’s coat of arms.” (ibid., p.76)