Aboriginal Wunda Shield
West Australian Aboriginal Wanda Shield for sale.
Object type: Aboriginal shield
Locality: Kalgoorlie Western Australia
Artist: Uknown
Circa: 1920
Dimension: 77cm x 17cm
Material: Mulga wood and natural pigments
Description:
This finely balanced Wunda shield represents an excellent example of a recontact-period defensive form from the Aboriginal peoples of Western Australia. Carved from a single piece of hardwood, the shield displays the dry, matte patina so prized by collectors—an honest surface revealing generations of handling and exposure. Subtle scorching and soot accretions on the reverse testify to practical use in daily life, likely from fire tending, a characteristic frequently observed on early shields of this type.
The handle rises organically from the interior surface, emerging with the soft, sculptural fluidity associated with classic pre-metalwork techniques. This integral handle form is a hallmark of older Wunda shields, reinforcing an early date of manufacture. Natural knot holes appear within the timber, evidence of the maker’s sensitive engagement with the contours of the original tree rather than any later damage or deterioration.
The front surface is adorned with red ochre and white pipe clay, a bold yet restrained palette characteristic of Western Australian shield painting. The design’s rhythmic grooves—carved into both the front and reverse—were executed using neolithic, non-metal tools, producing the distinctive incised geometry that defines the aesthetic of traditional Wunda forms. These striations catch the light with exceptional authority, heightening the shield’s sculptural presence.
Well-preserved Wunda shields from the recontact era have become increasingly rare in both private and institutional collections. With its early features, strong visual composition, and culturally resonant surface, this example stands as a compelling testament to the artistry, resilience, and ceremonial power of Western Australia’s Aboriginal makers.
Price $2100 AUD
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