Lot 87
PARRYING SHIELD
SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA
Auction: 26 November 2025 at 14:00 GMT
Description
carved hardwood, of triangular form, with an integral handle, exterior adorned with engraved opposing wave patterns, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
67cm tall
Provenance
Cooee Art (now Art Leven), Sydney, Australia
Francois Coppens, Belgium, acquired from the above 2019
Footnote
The present example embodies the deep cultural, artistic, and ceremonial traditions of Indigenous communities from the south-east of Australia. In ceremonial and martial contexts, such shields carried profound spiritual significance, invoking the power of ancestors and Country. Researchers such as Carol Cooper have noted how their designs could create optical effects during battle, enhancing a warrior’s agility and presence.