Australian Aboriginal Oval Wood Shield ‘Wunda’
A Western Australian Aboriginal Oval Wood Shield ‘Wunda’ decorated with incised lines rubbed with white clay and red ochre
The reverse also etched with linear designs an old nibbled edge to the bottom
19th Century
Size: 81.5cm long, 13.5cm wide - 32 ins long, 5¼ ins wide
The reverse also etched with linear designs an old nibbled edge to the bottom
19th Century
Size: 81.5cm long, 13.5cm wide - 32 ins long, 5¼ ins wide
Australian aboriginal songs and patterns are handed down from generation to generation. Their designs are traditional and the same song is always chanted for each one. Thus there is a strong link between a painted and etched design and the song that was chanted over it whilst it was being made. The design and the chant combined to give strength and power to the object.
The art of the Australian Aboriginal is appreciated today with a sophisticated aesthetic interest based on the study of centuries of world art and culture, but to the people of the Western desert this shield is important because it expresses their beliefs, satisfying an artistic impulse for the purposes of ritual and religion.
The art of the Australian Aboriginal is appreciated today with a sophisticated aesthetic interest based on the study of centuries of world art and culture, but to the people of the Western desert this shield is important because it expresses their beliefs, satisfying an artistic impulse for the purposes of ritual and religion.
Australian Aboriginal Oval Wood Shield ‘Wunda’
SOLD
