Summary
This set of wooden sticks are used to provide accompaniment to singing and dancing during ceremonies by striking the flatter stick with the more circular form. They are made in pairs and this set was made by Jawoyn man, Bob Malduba.
Physical Description
A pair of music sticks made from eucalyptus wood and painted with natural pigments. The wider end of the smaller stick is decorated with a cross-hatched patterning in yellow, red and white ochre and the larger stick is decorated overall with cross-hatching pattern.
Significance
Bob Maldubal was one of the artists whose work was collected and represented by the Aboriginal Arts Board (AAB) of the Australia Council. Established in 1973, the first members of the AAB took the lead in promoting and supporting Aboriginal artists from across Australia, engaging the international community as well as the wider Australian population. During the 1970s, the members of the AAB increased the exposure of Aboriginal art internationally through an extensive program of exhibitions that were held in over 35 countries. Many of the artworks were gifted to the host countries at the conclusion of these exhibitions. Music sticks made by Bob Maldubal were amongst a significant exhibition collection gifted to the New Zealand government in 1976. His distinctive design is evident in the two pairs acquired by Museum Victoria.
More Information
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Object/Medium
Music stick
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Maker
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Cultural Groups
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Locality
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Date Produced
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Date Collected
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Object Measurements
540 mm (Length), 120 mm (Width), 25 mm (Height)
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Keywords
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Collection Names
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Type of item
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Discipline
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Category
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Collecting Areas
Australian Indigenous - Northern Australia and Queensland and Torres Strait Islands