PAIR OF MEN'S CEREMONIAL FEATHERED HAIR PINS

Part 2: Important Aboriginal Art
Melbourne
27 November 2013
206

ARTIST UNKNOWN (CENTRAL DESERT)

PAIR OF MEN'S CEREMONIAL FEATHERED HAIR PINS

wood, feathers and spinifex resin

30.0 cm and 35.0 cm height

Estimate: 
$600 - 800 (2)
Provenance

Private collection, Melbourne

Catalogue text

This pair of hair pins was collected in 1960-62 in Central Australia. The feathers come from the Pink cockatoo also known as the Major Mitchell Cockatoo. The feathers are from the wings, and embedded deep in the hair pins are the crest feathers of the cockatoo. These ornaments together with other elaborate costume adornments made a dramatic visual impact against the harsh arid landscape.