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An early shield, North East Queensland (nineteenth century),…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
23-Jul-2014
Lot No.
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Description:
An early shield, North East Queensland (nineteenth century), carved wood and natural earth pigments, 69 x 17 cm. This early hardwood shield was collected in 1900 by the late renowned author Tom McCourt. Its painterly design and elongated surface with distinctive rounded ends is characteristic of these rarely found shields from north east Queensland. Its form has similarities to that of more southern Queensland Gulmari shields. These shields were used to defend off attacking blows from hand held clubs (sometimes imbedded with hob-nails). This example has substantial wear and deep patination to the handle which suggests it is older than the collection date. The remnants of the ochre design is well intact with old collection notes inscribed verso which indicate its origin and collection date. Provenance: The Tom McCourt Collection. By descent. Private Collection, Melbourne
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified