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A RARE AND FINE HOOKED BOOMERANG
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 AUD
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Description
- carved and engraved hardwood
- LENGTH: 71.5CM
Condition
The boomerang is in very good condition overall and appears to have had no repairs or restoration
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Cf. Philip Jones, Boomerang, Kent Town: Wakefield Press,1996, p.64 and p.93 for illustrations of related examples.
This extremely rare and fine boomerang is the first of its type to be auctioned by Sotheby's to the best of our knowledge. It is of plano-convex section with the upper surface decorated with engraved traditional designs, and on both sides at the hooked end, with square cut handle, a small clipped finial, and has an old dark, shiny patina overall.
Philip Jones notes with related examples from Cooper Creek, that: 'These hooked boomerangs present a problem for ethnographers - there is no evidence of them being used for fighting or hunting in the Cooper Creek region. In many cases the hook appears to have served only a decorative purpose. Such boomerangs are likely to have been used in ceremonies, particularly as they are often painted, or decorated with incised patterns' (ibid).
This extremely rare and fine boomerang is the first of its type to be auctioned by Sotheby's to the best of our knowledge. It is of plano-convex section with the upper surface decorated with engraved traditional designs, and on both sides at the hooked end, with square cut handle, a small clipped finial, and has an old dark, shiny patina overall.
Philip Jones notes with related examples from Cooper Creek, that: 'These hooked boomerangs present a problem for ethnographers - there is no evidence of them being used for fighting or hunting in the Cooper Creek region. In many cases the hook appears to have served only a decorative purpose. Such boomerangs are likely to have been used in ceremonies, particularly as they are often painted, or decorated with incised patterns' (ibid).