TOMMY SKEEN TJAKAMARRA

Warlayirti Artists, Wirrimanu (Balgo Hills)
Private collection, Sydney

The painting is in very good condition. It is unframed
"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. For related paintings see Barrakurra near Yagga Yagga, Great Sandy Desert, WA, 1995, in Cowan, J., Balgo: New Directions, Craftsman House, Sydney, 1999, p.37, plate 3, illus.; and Manga Manga in the Great Sandy Desert, 1997, in Morphy, H. and M. Smith Boles (eds.), Art from the Land: Dialogues with the Kluge-Ruhe collection of Australian Aboriginal art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA, 1999, p.175, plate 6.6, illus

This painting is a depiction of a boys' initiation ceremony where an old Tjupurrula named TunguTungu is singing the boys in the ritual. The composition is marked by a series of verticals: the undecorated ones represent sandhills; those decorated on the right of the canvas are singing sticks; and the double bars in the top right symbolise the boys' legs. A group of women appear as U-shapes

This painting is sold with an accompanying  Warlayirti Artists certificate