An exceptional and dynamically carved narrow shield, Darling River Region, New South Wales (nineteenth century), carved hardwood and natural earth pigments, 68 cm high. This exceptional stone-carved example still retains strong remnants of its original red and white ochre pigmentation which highlights its intricate designs carved into the face of the shield. The reverse and handle are replete with fine adzed tooling and patination overall. Provenance: Private Collection, Melbourne