Important Aboriginal Art - 26 March 2014 | Melbourne
Lot 69
NORTH-EAST QUEENSLAND, early 20th century
A PAIR OF SMALL RAINFOREST SHIELDS
carved and shaped softwood decorated with traditional designs painted in orange, yellow, white and black natural earth pigments
38.0 and 41.0 cm height
Estimate:
$6,000 - 8,000 (2)
Lot sold: $5,760 (inc. BP)
Lot Details
Description
NORTH-EAST QUEENSLAND, early 20th century
A PAIR OF SMALL RAINFOREST SHIELDS
carved and shaped softwood decorated with traditional designs painted in orange, yellow, white and black natural earth pigments
38.0 and 41.0 cm height
Provenance
Collection of John Downs, United States of America
Michael Hamson Oceanic Art, United States of America
Private collection, New South Wales
Catalogue text
John Downs was an engineer with the American Army during WWII who spent time in Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. His collection was formed in 1943/44. These shields were part of his collection that was on long-term loan to the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis in the 1960s.