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A TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS CROCODILE-HEADED ARROW, KODALU - PARUAG OR KODAL KEP
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 AUD
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Description
- Length: 139 cm
Wood, fibre string, resin, bamboo, pigment and bone
Condition
The tip of the arrow and the inset bone have been broken and no longer extant. There is a fine crack approximately 4 cm long running from the arrow tip longitudinally, and another similar running down one side of the barbs into the crocoiles mouth and further fine cracks running longitudinally down one side of the lower section of the carved crocodile approximately 12 cm long. The bamboo or reed shaft has a number of major splits or cracks running down the shaft, no repairs or restoration, old shiny patina overall. There are some very small areas of the infilled white pigment.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Cf. For late 19th century examples of Torres Strait arrows, see Moore, D. R., The Torres Strait Collections of A. C. Haddon; A Descriptive Catalogue, British Museum Publications, London, 1984, illus. pl.79, catalogue number 702, Cambridge University Museum registration numbers Z9729 and Z9728 both feature similar crocodiles
A rare Torres Strait decorated arrow, carved from hardwood and featuring a stylised crocodile. The two closely related examples collected by A. C. Haddon are identified as having been made specifically for use in warfare
A rare Torres Strait decorated arrow, carved from hardwood and featuring a stylised crocodile. The two closely related examples collected by A. C. Haddon are identified as having been made specifically for use in warfare