Provenance
The Artist, created at Milingimbi, East Arnhem Land
Milingimbi Methodist Mission, Northern Territory
Private Collection
William Jamieson, Toronto
African & Oceanic Art, Sotheby’s, New York, November 2002, lot 195
The Martin Rae Collection, New York, acquired from the above
Milingimbi Methodist Mission, Northern Territory
Private Collection
William Jamieson, Toronto
African & Oceanic Art, Sotheby’s, New York, November 2002, lot 195
The Martin Rae Collection, New York, acquired from the above
Description
The seniority and ritual experience of an artist can determine the aesthetics of a carved figure. This may manifest in the designs used to decorate the figure, its shape, type, and what body parts can be included. This tall, free-standing figure displays cross-hatched clan designs that are sectioned into panels by an elongated shaft of black ochre. Its arms are strapped to either side of the body, and its legs face outwards. The expressive face is highly decorated with ritual painting surrounding the mouth and distinct painted ears.