A RAINFOREST SHIELD, BALAN BIGIN, NORTH EAST QUEENSLAND CIRCA 1900 |

Private Collection, France Inscribed on reverse:

Mr W H Gibb
Care Mrs Warby
Dalvey House
1 Commodore Street
North Sydney

Please note, there are multiple dents and scratches to the surface in line with the use and age of the shield. There are 8 holes to the front of the shield, the largest approximately 1cm in diameter and there are multiple minor holes to the reverse of the shield, possibly insect holes which are no longer active. There are also minor cracks in the wood to the reverse in line with the grain. One significant crack extends from the bottom of the handle approximately 20cm with some wood missing at the top. Another minor crack in the centre of the reverse extends 20cm, and there is another minor crack to the proper right reverse of the shield. There are two cracks, the largest 10cm long, to the proper right top corner in a triangle shape with the corner meeting the edge, where a chip is developing. The white pigment to the front of the shield is missing in some areas, especially in the centre, and the red pigment is faded in some areas, particularly the centre and lower proper right side but in general the pigment seems to be in good condition. To the front, there is a minor surface crack proper right side approximately 10cm long and another in the centre approximately 6cm long extending down from the nub. There is pencil writing on the reverse as detailed in the catalogue and a nail protrudes from the top centre of the reverse, which has been bent down, and is not visible from the front. There does not appear to be any visible evidence of repair or restoration, and the damage and wear is consistent with the shield's use and age. This shield is mounted on and sold with a custom made stand.
"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. Carol Cooper et al., Aboriginal Australia, Australian Gallery Directors Council, 1981, p.173, pl. N277, for a shield of similar form collected in the Atherton Tablelands.