A SHIELD, NORTH WEST QUEENSLAND,

carved in softwood, the convex front decorated with fluted, traditional designs and infilled with highlights in red and black natural pigment and battle scars to the surface, the slightly concave reverse replete with similar decorations and deep cut lug handle marked 'North East Queensland number 8'

Lord McAlpine of West Green, London House collection, #35
Private collection

There are many areas of faded and scuffed pigment to the shield. Multiple battle scarring in the front is evident and small areas of insect damage in the reverse. There are two nails and screw eyes imbedded on the reverse, most probably for display purposes. There are no visible repairs or restoration to 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."

Cf. Roth, Walter, E., Ethnological Studies among the North-West-Central Queensland Aborigines, Brisbane and London 1897, pl.xxi, figs. 374a, 374b and 375 for a closely related example identified as a shield manufactured in the Boulia and Upper Georgina districts.

Kim Akerman has suggested that the motif may represent a schematised human design (unpublished notes accompanying the London House Collection. According to these notes this shield originally had a label stating it was from Glenormiston).