Provenance
The Artist, created at Bathurst Island, Northern Territory
Tiwi Pima Art or Tiwi Design, Northern Territory
Private Collection, New South Wales
Aboriginal Fine Art, Lawson~Menzies, Sydney, 23 May 2007, lot 29
The Martin Rae Collection, New York, acquired from the above
Tiwi Pima Art or Tiwi Design, Northern Territory
Private Collection, New South Wales
Aboriginal Fine Art, Lawson~Menzies, Sydney, 23 May 2007, lot 29
The Martin Rae Collection, New York, acquired from the above
Description
Kantilla’s sculpted figures are immediately recognisable for their unique rectilinear-shaped bodies and deep-set pill-shaped eyes. This impressive two-tiered sculpture incorporates the ancestral figure of Bima and her post-death incarnation as the curlew Wai-ai. At the foot of the sculpture, Bima is highly decorated with grid-like patterning and dots. Standing upright above is Wai-ai with her wings tucked back. According to Tiwi belief, Wai-ai still roams the bush at night, wailing in remorse for her misdeeds and the death of her only child.
array(2) {
[0]=>
int(17843)
[1]=>
int(1235)
}
17843
1235
USD Only
Status
Sold