UNUSUAL Aboriginal Incised CHURINGA Message Board w/ ABSTRACT FIGURE!
UNUSUAL Aboriginal Incised CHURINGA Message Board w/ ABSTRACT FIGURE!
Origin: Australia, Central Desert (Provenance: Acquired from a Seattle Washington estate of a pharmacist who travelled to Australia in the early 1950's. )
Period/Date: Circa 1940's-50's
Materials: heavy dense wood (red gum wood maybe?), ocher and cobalt blue trade pigments
Description: This highly unusual churinga was likely made on a mission settlement. However, judging by its soul and fluidity it was clearly made by an old-world craftsmen. Its flat side is deeply-carved featuring an abstract stylized cubistic figure defined in bold cobalt blue pigment. Abbreviated arms sweep from the midsection of the body. Ripple lines radiate out from the figure like an aura. Very striking and surreal! Its convex side is incised with regions of zigzags together with a "J" and "T" formation including bands and dotting. In good condition with minor wear, abrasions and light soiling. It is one of a group of three that were collected at the same time. In case the buyer wants all three I will offer a discount. Please email me.
Dimensions: Height 26” (66 cm), width 4.5” (11.5 cm)