A miniature rainforest shield design by Napoleon Oui titled Bundara (Cassowary). Canvas board on plywood. Dimensions 25.5cm x 20.3cm (H x W) Napoleon Oui is from the Tjapukai language group in Far North Queensland, Australia. The tropical rainforest region of Far North Queensland stretches along the east coast from Townsville to the Bloomfield River north of Cairns. Within this region there are distinct Indigenous tribal groups that have inhabited the rainforest for thousands of years. The artefacts from this region are unique and include large broad shields, wooden swords and the cross boomerangs. The art typically found on the shields is also unique to the region featuring bold geometric design with styles varying between the groups. This striking art is very distinctive and unlike any other Indigenous art in Australia but is little known outside the region.
