TWO ABORIGINAL PEARLSHELL PHALLOCRYPTS, Central Desert, Australia

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

          TWO ABORIGINAL PEARLSHELL PHALLOCRYPTS,               lonka lonka, Central Desert, Australia

The origins of these engraved pearl shell objects is on the Kimberly coast of Western Australia, but they have spread far inland and even been found as far east as northern Queensland. In the dry interior that were described as “essence of water made solid” For ceremonial use, especially during male initiation, the pearl shell was engraved with geometric designs. These were motifs that symbolised water, lightning and other natural phenomenon.  Both lonka lonka were collected at Yuendumu, on the edge of the Tanami desert, north-westof Alice Springs, in the 1960s.

a)        This a large, beautifully smooth and finely coloured pearl shell base. The geometric engraving covers the whole surface in disconnected angular interlocking motifs, Colored with red desert pigments. Human hair waistband is attached.

17 x 13 cm   $ 2000

b)        A large pearl shell with distinct growth markings centrally. The geometric engraved designs tend to avoid this area, probably to enhance this unusual feature. The geometric forms meander rather than interlock and are coloured with a darker red pigment. Human hair waistband is attached.

17 x 13cm   $1900

$2,000.00

Artwork details