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Important Australian Indigenous Art - 26 March 2024  |  Melbourne

Lot 45
Billy Thomas Joongoorra
(c.1920 - 2012)
WATERHOLES AND SANDHILLS IN THE GREAT SANDY DESERT, 2002

natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvas

100.0 x 80.0 cm



Estimate:
$7,000 – $9,000


Lot sold: $8,591 (inc. BP)


Lot Details

Description

Billy Thomas Joongoorra
(c.1920 - 2012)
WATERHOLES AND SANDHILLS IN THE GREAT SANDY DESERT, 2002

natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvas

100.0 x 80.0 cm

bears inscription verso: artist’s name, date, size and Red Rock Art cat. KP1661

Provenance

Red Rock Art, Kununurra, Western Australia
Aboriginal and Pacific Art, Sydney
Private collection, Sydney


This work is accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Red Rock Art which states: 
'Throughout the artist country in the Great Sandy Desert, waterholes (soaks and rockholes) exist. Knowledge of these places was crucial to the artist's ability to lead a traditional lifestyle. It was at these places that most ceremony and law was undertaken. This painting shows a typical waterhole (soak) amongst the rolling sand dunes (large curved shapes) of the desert. All of this sandhill country was made in the dreamtime by Gunambalayi- the Black Snake.'