Description:

Bob Burruwal
(1952 - 2021)
Feathered Dancing Belt, 1996
fibre, ochre, string, feathers
This rare, feathered dancing belt by Bob Burruwal demonstrates the ongoing vitality of ceremonial regalia produced in Arnhem Land. The belt, composed of handspun fibre and natural feathers bound with ochre, embodies both aesthetic refinement and cultural function. Worn during ritual performances, such belts carry meaning far beyond ornament, linking dancers to ancestral narratives and country through material and movement.

The rhythmic interplay of white and earth-toned bands, accented with trailing feathers, lends the work a visual dynamism that translates powerfully even when removed from its original performative context. Collectors will note not only its rarity and authenticity but also its immediate visual appeal—an object whose presence resonates both as art and as an emblem of living tradition.

  • Provenance: Maningrida Arts and Culture, Arnhem Land, NT, Cat No. 6549
  • Dimensions: 87 cm (feathered portion) plus ties, 86 cm total length
  • Medium: fibre, ochre, string, feathers
  • Condition: Buyers Please Note


    This auction is conducted in conjunction with Newstead Art Auctions.
    Theodore Bruce will manage online bidding, registrations, invoicing, and payments, while Newstead Art will handle all onsite logistics, including viewings, collections, and shipping.


    Viewing:

    Onsite viewings will take place in Albany, New York, USA, between 23 and 30 October 2025.
    For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact Adrian Newstead at [email protected].


    Payment & Collection:

    All purchases must be paid within two (2) days of the auction.
    Shipping or collection arrangements must be finalised by 8 November 2025.
    To ensure timely processing, we recommend using the Theodore Bruce 3D Secure online payment system.


    Location of Lots:


    All lots are located in Albany, New York, USA. A representative and a recommended carrier will be available onsite until 8 November 2025. All lots must be collected by this date.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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Shipping

All Lots Are Located In Albany, New York, USA, we have a representative onsite and a recommended carrier available until 8 November, 2025. All Lots MUST collected by that date.

Purchases must be paid for within two days of auction and shipping/collection arrangements need to be finalised no later than 8 November 2025. In order to facilitate this timeframe we recommend using our 3D Secure online payment system.

October 31, 2025 9:00 AM AEDT
Stanmore, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 A$999,999 A$50,000
A$1,000,000 + A$100,000