|
|
|
|
Working for our community.Latest News
General News
Innamincka
Breast
Plate
17.5.07
Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Jay Weatherill has used his powers under the Aboriginal Heritage Act to determine if a breastplate found in the far north-east of South Australia is an Aboriginal object of significance.
This determination effectively stops the sale of the breastplate without the Ministerís permission.
The plate was one of three presented to the Yandruwandha people of Coopersí Creek centred on Innamincka by the Royal Society of Victoria in 1862 for the help given to explorers Robert OíHara Burke, William Wills and John King during their 1860-61 expedition.
ěThis was at a time when the two groups would have been unknown and a potential threat to each otherís safety. As such, I believe it to be one of the first tangible symbols of reconciliation,î Mr. Weatherill said.
The 20cm plate was destined for auction before Mr Weatherill stepped in under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 to request the plate be surrendered to determine whether it was an Aboriginal object.
As an ëAboriginal objectí, it is considered significant according to Aboriginal tradition or is of significance to Aboriginal archaeology, anthropology or history.
Mr Weatherill has ordered an urgent inquiry into the ownership of the breastplate.
The matter will now be referred to the Government Investigation Unit.
ěEstablishing who is the rightful owner of the breastplate is essential before any further steps can be taken,î Mr Weatherill said.
ěThis breastplate is a significant piece of our shared Australian history.
ěIt is one of the earliest symbols of reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
ěAs such it has enormous historical value to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
ěWhile some say acts of symbolic reconciliation are not important, I think the enormous interest in this breastplate shows how wrong this is.î
Burke and Wills died of starvation during the trip but King survived through the care and compassion of the local Yandruwandha people.
The breastplate was located in 2001 near Innaminka by Strathalbyn brothers Eric and Klaus Ganzert.
ěOver the past few weeks, the breastplate has undergone testing and analysis including an assessment by the Australian National Museum,î Mr Weatherill said.
ěThe relevant Aboriginal community, their Native Title Committee and the Stateís Aboriginal Heritage Committee have also been consulted.
ěConsultations have largely concluded that the breastplate is an Aboriginal object of significance to Aboriginal history. Evidence from the Museum also supports the view that the breastplate was one of the three specifically made in recognition of the humanity shown by the Yandruwandha people to Burke Wills and King.î
Designed by
Cornfield Communications