Pair of C. 1800 Stone-Carved Aboriginal Wunda Parrying Shields, Pre-Contact
Pair of C. 1800 Stone Carved Aboriginal Wunda Parrying Shields
Origin: Australia, Western Desert (Provenance: Originally in an old UK collection)
Period/Date: Likely 18th Century, Possibly pre-contact (Pre Captain Cook 1770)
Materials: Hardwood
Description: These are the oldest Wunda Shields I've ever had. They exhibit old-world-craftsmanship, have all original pigments and each is presented on a custom stand. They have about 20 percent loss from use and antiquity. They are very deeply carved and their wood is extremely old. In fact, it is not a stretch to say these are pre-contact, all things considered. The slender one has impressive incising on its back side! The swept or raked motif is deep cut with quarts most likely.
Dimensions: Height 34.5-35.5” (88- 90.5 cm), width 4 7/8- 5 5/8” (12.5- 14.5 cm)