Australia, Western Australia
19th century
Hardwood
Height: 28 inches (71.1 cm); Width: 6¾ inches (17.1 cm)
Provenance: Anna Labalestra, London, UK; the Amy and Elliot Lawrence collection; sold Sotheby's, New York, May 24, 2022, Lot 53
Shields of this elongated oval form were produced across Western Australia, where makers selected dense hardwoods and worked the surface with stone and shell tools to create the closely spaced parallel and chevron-pattern ridges visible across the face. The all-over carved relief decoration is a defining characteristic of this shield type, with the ridged surface serving both to deflect blows and to carry visual identity. This example retains extensive wear on the handle and a deep reddish-brown patina developed through sustained use and age.
The provenance of this shield traces through two documented collections before its appearance at Sotheby's New York in 2022, providing a clear ownership history. Shields of this type with strong surface carving, original patina, and auction-documented provenance are increasingly sought by collectors of Australian Aboriginal material, and this example's condition and collecting history place it among the more traceable pieces currently available on the market.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Australia, Western Australia
19th century
Hardwood
Height: 28 inches (71.1 cm); Width: 6¾ inches (17.1 cm)
Provenance: Anna Labalestra, London, UK; the Amy and Elliot Lawrence collection; sold Sotheby's, New York, May 24, 2022, Lot 53
Shields of this elongated oval form were produced across Western Australia, where makers selected dense hardwoods and worked the surface with stone and shell tools to create the closely spaced parallel and chevron-pattern ridges visible across the face. The all-over carved relief decoration is a defining characteristic of this shield type, with the ridged surface serving both to deflect blows and to carry visual identity. This example retains extensive wear on the handle and a deep reddish-brown patina developed through sustained use and age.
The provenance of this shield traces through two documented collections before its appearance at Sotheby's New York in 2022, providing a clear ownership history. Shields of this type with strong surface carving, original patina, and auction-documented provenance are increasingly sought by collectors of Australian Aboriginal material, and this example's condition and collecting history place it among the more traceable pieces currently available on the market.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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