Unknown Artist

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)

Lot 206

Unknown Artist

PAIR OF MEN’S CEREMONIAL FEATHERED HAIR PINS

lot details

PAIR OF MEN’S CEREMONIAL FEATHERED HAIR PINS
wood, feathers and spinifex resin
30.0 cm and 35.0 cm height
Provenance

Private collection, Melbourne

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.