Description:

Australia, Aboriginal culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A finely-carved wooden bullroarer, ovoid in form, decorated with three radiating sun motifs on either side. A woven strand of human hair is knotted through a pierced hole in the bottom and serves as the swinging mechanism through which the instrument emits sound. The bullroarer is an aerophone instrument that is central to the Australian Aboriginal culture. Traditionally, bullroarers have been used in conjunction with didgeridoos in initiation ceremonies and in burials to ward off evil spirits and ill tidings and are regarded as the domain of secret male societies by some Aboriginal groups. Consequently, women, children, non-initiated men, and outsiders are forbidden to even hear the sound emitted by the bullroarer. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 3" W x 10.25" H (7.6 cm x 26 cm); 12.375" H (31.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#133650

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions as expected, light roughness to surfaces and peripheries, with fading to areas of carved motifs, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas.

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May 24, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000