Aboriginal breastplates, like this one, are rare reminders of the relationship that once existed between the Indigenous population of Australia and the European colonists. These breastplates were similar in design to the gorgets worn by Officers in British Regiments and were tailor-made for the recipiant. As a result the incrisptions and mottifs are significant records from the early colonial period right up to the 1930s when they appear to have stopped makiing these these.

The earliest breastplate was handed out by Governor Macquarie to Boongarre in 1815 and was part of carefully controlled system which ensured only the Governor could decide who was, or was not, designated a Â?Chief Â? or Â?KingÂ?. After Macquarie left in 1822 this system began to break down and from the 1830s a wide array of colonials issued these plates.

The inscriptions make it clear breastplates were most commonly presented to people who were percieved as Chiefs, Kings or Queens in a particular area. Less common are those given in recognition of service or or as rewards. Land title claims, and a resurgence of interest in Aboriginal culture, from the 1980s onwards have added to the significance of Aboriginal breastplates and the records inscribed upon their surfaces.

References
Tania Cleary, Poignant Regalia, 19th Century Aboriginal Breastplates and Images, Historic Houses Trust, 1993

Geoff Barker, Curatorial, June 2012

This breastplate was acquired by the Museum as part of the Royal Australian Historical Society Collection in 1981 (RAHS #132).. It was donated to the Royal Australian Historical Society by J. J. Cahill.

Engraved breastplate, presented to aboriginal man Â?Boongong Nimmitt, Chief of the Burrier Tribe, 1847Â?, brass, maker unknown, 1847

Made: 1847

A7767

1847

10 mm

140 mm

113 mm