THREE PARRYING SHIELDS, CENTRAL OR WESTERN VICTORIA,

carved in hardwood, of triangular section, the faces engraved with traditional designs and decorated with red and white pigments, the reverses undecorated with deep cut handles

Niagara Falls Museum, Canada (the shield illustrated on the left, presented by Mr Alfred Wood on May 22, 1909)
Private collection

One example has eight small areas of insect damage on the reverse, another with the thick red pigment has deep cracks running longitudinally down one side of the reverse and a worn and deeply scuffed bottom end, and another has four fine holes, possibly by insects on the reverse and two fine hairline cracks approximately 7 cm long that run from the handle
"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. Cooper, C. et al, Aboriginal Australia, Australian Gallery Directors Council, Sydney, 1981, pp. 84-85 catalogue numbers S.24 and S.25 for closely related examples in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria

The shield with Niagara Falls provenance is inscribed in pencil "Presented by Mr. Alfred Wood on May 22 1909, had been in family 40 years"