These two superb, large important early traditional examples once provided the centre piece of Lord McAlpine s London House display of some 350 fine 19th Century Aboriginal artefacts.
FOR FULL DISCUSSION SEE: www.arthur-palmer.blogspot.com
As a superior matched pair this presents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire in one lot, both outstanding examples.
(Arthur Palmer spent several years sourcing both items from their respective distant owners post the McAlpine auction and inducing them to part with each piece by negotiating swaps from his own vast Australian Aboriginal & Pacific collection).
Both the shield at 111cm and the sword at 152cm represent some of the very largest and most beautiful old examples of type ever offered. Traditionally, Shields were always associated in ritual battle with the heavy fighting sword.
DIMENSIONS: Rainforest Shield 111cm x 34xm (44ins x 13.5ins) Native Fig buttress root wood (ficus albipila) painted with earth ochres & charcoal. C1860s.
Rainforest Sword Club 152cm x 15cm (60ins x 6ins) Rainforest hard wood Red Penda or more likely Queensland Maple. Traditionally always left undecorated. Deep dark rich handled age Patina C1860s.
SOLD
Lord McAlpine's London House wall display C 1990 of some 350 19th Century Aboriginal fine artefacts.
Large Shield lower centre arrowed. Sword 7 in from left.
