A RAINFOREST SHIELD, NORTH EAST QUEENSLAND,

carved in fig wood of leaf-like form, the front with slightly raised boss, decorated with totemic designs (native bee) in yellow and white ochre outlined in black, the reverse undecorated with deep-cut lug handle

Private collection

There are no repairs or restoration to the rainforest shield. There are areas of scuffing, unsect damage, water staining, hailine cracks and wood deterioration at the bottom of the shield.
"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."

According to information provided, this shield was once owned and made by Tommy Jinga Jinga (a Girramay man) born in the 1880s in the Kennedy Valley. He is said to have given it to the then Native Police Protector T.G. Jamieson in 1923/24. Jamieson was Protector in the Cardwell area from 1921-1925 (some items in Australian museums were sent there by Jamieson). Tommy Jinga Jinga was sent to Hull River Aboriginal Settlement (Mission Beach) in 1915 which was destroyed by a cyclone in 1918, and after this Palm Island was set up.

Jamieson reputedly gave the shield to Harry Hamilton (settler in Kennedy Valley) who bequeathed the shield to Robby Johnson (the then owner of the Kennedy Store on the Bruce Highway), who in turn gave it to Jack Muriata.

Jack Muriata is related to Tommy Jinga Jinga and was present at his funeral when he was buried at Yabalum (old camp and burial ground) near the Murray River in 1952. Mr. Muriata has owned the shield for at least the last twenty years, and has decided to sell it in order to raise funds to build on his soon-to-be-returned native title lands.