Lot 845

Description

Aboriginal breast plate, 1800s, crescent shaped in brass (approx 15x12.5cm), holed at each end for chain suspension, engraved at left side with image of an aboriginal man throwing a spear and with high grass around him, on the right side is the aborigine's target, a kangaroo heading right but looking back, also with high grass around, below this scene is inscribed, 'BILLY GOAT/KING OF/BUMBARLO', the scene and the inscription filled with black pitch. Very fine.

Recorded in the publication, Poignant Regalia 19th Century Aboriginal Images & Breastplates by Tania Cleary, p130, and recorded as, 'Billy Goat/King of/Bumbarlo; Group: Ngurunta; Location: Lake Bumbarlo, SA, 30 30 140 24 (SH 54 10); Accession No. Private Collection'.

Note: Restrictions on ownership in South Australia and export not permitted.