Aboriginal sculptures originated across the Twi Islands and Yirrkala. Some of the earliest sculptures called Larrikon come from the Eastern Arnhem Land. The sculpture is made using a hollowed-out log bone receptacle and painted with many totemic designs.
Oral history tells us that Carved Human figures from the area of Yirrkala, which too is in Arnhem land, were created by Djukan. The idea came from an old Macassan fisherman, of carving a human head on a burial post.
Aboriginal Sculptures from Central and Western Arnhem Land
It is unfortunate that the origins of aboriginal sculptures here are not documented as well as they should be. You’ll probably find a couple of figures made from bee’s wax in the University of Western Australia.
Central desert Aboriginal Sculptures
The traditional sculptures here are mainly flat but carved with detailed groves on oval boards known as Churinga. Many of the sculptures that date back to the 50s are of local desert reptiles.
The vast majority of figures here are associated with the honey men and bear a diamond pattern on their bodies. A couple of other figures also depict Mimi spirits who purportedly live in the rocky parts of Western Arnhem Land.
Tiwi Sculptures
The first figurative sculptures at the Parunear Bathurst Island grave. The spirit of the departed would haunt that figures and not their kin. Interestingly, it is from this community that we find many collectible and important works of art.
The artists would often trade their sculptures for supplies with the Mission located on the island. The so-called Mandimbula people had traditional beliefs and primarily engaged in the Pukumani ritual.
Torres Strait Aboriginal Sculptures
Some of the Torres Straits are extremely ancient. One of the reasons why they were created was to help with growing tobacco. The figures are two dimensional and flat. Despite their size, these sculptures are very collectible and extremely rare.
Have an Aboriginal Sculpture You Want to Part With?
If you are in possession of any aboriginal sculpture you inherited or may be purchased, then get in touch with us. Marc Pinto is a collector of unique aboriginal art, including sculptures, and is willing to make a fair offer based on the condition and rarity of the sculpture.
If you have such as a sculpture, then send pictures of it to us via the contact form below, and we’ll get in touch with an offer shortly. You can also get in touch directly with Marc Pinto via his WhatsApp number +61411866227
Below are examples of what we would be interested in.