A Broad Shield, Lower Murray River Early 19th Century

Carved and engraved wood (inner bark of the gum tree), bentwood handle, pipe clay

Private collection, United Kingdom

This shield is in exceptional condition for an example of its age; we believe it to date to the early 19th century, if not earlier. The quality is equal to the very best. We believe there to have been no repair or restoration to the shield. The bent wood handle remains firmly in place. There is a small hole in the top finial of the shield, pierced by a collector for display. There are some areas of pigment loss within the engraved design, clearly visible in the catalogue illustration. Deep, dark, and glossy patina overall. Sold with a custom wall mount, in order for the shield to be displayed floating out from a wall.
"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. Daniel S. Davidson, A Preliminary Consideration of Aboriginal Australian Decorative Art, Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. IX, Philadelphia, 1937, p.43, fig.30C, for a shield of similar form in the collection of the South Australian Museum; Howard Morphy, Aboriginal Art, Phaidon, London, 1998, p.333, for a shield collected before 1874 in the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, with a similarly engraved design; Carol Cooper et al., Aboriginal Australia, Australian Gallery Directors Council, 1981, p.87, fig.S42, for a shield of similar form and related engraved designs.