A rare figural clay sculpture, 'The friend of the Arunta', William Ricketts (1898-1993), circa 1939, depicting a group of Arunta tribesmen explaining the importance of the churinga stone to Sir Baldwyn Spencer. Accompanied by original pamphlet and photograph of the sculpture by A. E. Stephen. Incised signature to base 'W Ricketts Pottery Sanctuary, Mt Dandenong'. 16 cm high, 38 cm long, 20 cm deep. Other Notes: This sculpture was part of a series presented by Ricketts at his mount Dandenong gallery, titled 'Legends of Australian Aborigines Sculptured in Clay'. Ricketts modelled these sculptures based on the his studies of Aboriginal folk lore and the works of Sir Baldwyn Spencer and David Uniapon