AN exhibition that showcases the important role pearlshell and pearling have played in the nation’s history is currently on display at the South Australian Maritime Museum.
Lustre: Pearling & Australia – a travelling exhibition from the Western Australian Museum, will be on display until April 28.
The exhibition features a number of traditional Aboriginal items that have not been shown outside the exhibition for over 30 years.
It also features a 2,000 year-old nearly round natural pearl which was recently discovered in an Aboriginal archaeological shell midden in the Admiralty Gulf, vibrant audio visual material and an audio tour featuring personal stories.
Museum director Kevin Jones said he was thrilled to present the exhibition, which is a product of a partnership between the Western Australian Museum and Nyamba Buru Yawuru – Broome’s Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation.
“It explores the lustre and beauty of South Sea pearls as well as the grit of the frontier history of pearling,” he said.
“The exhibition tells the story of early Aboriginal trade as well as the biology of the pearl oyster and the impact of the natural environment on the pearling industry.”
He said the exhibition would appeal to both history enthusiasts and those who appreciated the beauty of pearls and jewellery.
Aboriginal people in Australia have valued and collected pearlshell for at least 20,000 years.
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