An Early and Exceptional Broad Shield

Harold W. Hurlbut (1877-1941), New York, NY, USA
The Phillips Free Library, Homer, NY, USA, presented by the above circa 1930s
Private collection, USA

The broad shield has a Certificate of Exemption from Export Control and can therefore be exported from Australia freely. It has no visible signs of repairs or restoration. The original handle is intact. There is a crack running longditudinally between the two central handle holes.
"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 closely related examples of broad shields in the National Gallery of Victoria, the Burke Memorial Museum and Museum Victoria, see C. Cooper, et. al., Aboriginal Australia, Sydney: Australian Galleries Directors' Council, 1981, pp.86-88, pl.S40-S47; see also J.P. Barbier and P. Benitez-Johannot, Shields: Africa, Southeast Asia and Oceania from the Barbier Müller Collection, Paris, 2000, p.233, pl.98; R. Black, Old and New Australian Aboriginal Art, Angus and Robertson, 1964, pp.84-5, figs.72, 73; and R. Brough Smyth, The Aborigines of Victoria: with notes relating to the habits of the natives of other parts of Australia and Tasmania compiled from various sources for the Government of Victoria, Melbourne: Government Printer, 1878, reprinted 1972, p.333, figs. 135–7, (illus.).

This shield is sold with the original notes made by the librarian at the Phillips Free Library identifying the donor and a 1928 article on Aboriginal culture from which she made labels for the items' display. The Local Cortland Historical Society provided background on the donor including an obituary for his death in 1941.

Under the provisions of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, section 36(1)(e), this lot will require a Cultural Heritage Permit to be removed from the state of Victoria. For further information please contact the department administrators.