UNIQUE Aboriginal Incised CHURINGA MESSAGE BOARD w/ BIRD GLYPH
UNIQUE Aboriginal Incised CHURINGA Message Board w/ BIRD GLYPH
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 at least 10 distinct markings. This is the only one of the three for sale that has a series of classic concentric circles. Its convex side has a bold blue "C" symbol within a larger field. At the top is a curious disjointed motif from which a stylized birdhead and neck is defined and accented with blue pigment. 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 25.75” (65.5 cm), width 4 3/8” (11.5 cm)