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#6003W Aboriginal shield: probably La Perouse, Sydney, c 1920's-1930's Artist unknown length 260 mm Commercial examples of traditional objects (including shields, boomerangs, clubs and shell necklaces) were made during this period by indigenous artists at La Perouse reserve (Botany Bay, Sydney), and were popular with tourists as Aboriginal curios. The front of this diminutive shield bears pokerwork designs (burnt into the wood using hot wire), showing a scene with central male figure dressed for corroboree. The figure is portrayed in a landscape influenced by western perspective, surrounded by a decorative border. Red paint was used by the artist to embellish the figure. This shield, originally acquired together with a La Perouse boomerang signed by A. Perrett and dated 1934, came from a small private collection of early Aboriginal tourist artefacts. Very good condition, with handling patina on reverse. RESERVED