Description

Title: The Pearl Seekers
Author/Publisher: Norman Bartlett (London: Andrew Melrose)
Publication Year: 1954
Format: 312-page illustrated cloth binding with 39 plates, map, and portraits

Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders employed in pearl fishing; popular account of contact with Aborigines and Islanders; Kimberley District and Arnhem Land; conflict between Arnhem Land Aborigines and police and Japanese pearlers in the 1930s.

London : Melrose, 1954

312 p., [39] p. of plates : ill., map, ports. ; 22 cm. No dust jacket.

Notes: Map on lining papers; Bibliography: p. 311-312.

First Nations (AIATSIS) Subject:

Settlement and contacts - Colonisation - 1788-1850 Law enforcement - Police Race relations - Violent Settlement and contacts - Colonisation - 1851- Fishing Arnhem Land (NT) West Kimberley area Torres Strait Islands

Subject:

Pearl fisheries -- Australia Pearl fisheries -- Papua New Guinea Australia, Northern -- Description and travel

Synopsis

Norman Bartlett's *The Pearl Seekers*, published in 1954, offers a compelling non-fiction account of the arduous and often fraught world of pearl fishing in northern Australia during the 1930s. This historical work delves into the significant role played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the pearling industry, a vital yet challenging enterprise that shaped the region.

The narrative spans the remote and rugged landscapes of the Kimberley District and Arnhem Land, exploring the intricate dynamics between diverse groups. Bartlett recounts instances of cultural contact and explores the tensions that arose, particularly the conflicts involving Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities, colonial police forces, and Japanese pearlers of the era.

• Regional Conflicts of the 1930s: A significant portion details the clashes and complex interactions in the 1930s within the Kimberley and Arnhem Land regions, featuring encounters between Aboriginal groups, local authorities, and foreign pearling crews, particularly those from Japan.
• Illustrated Record: Featuring 39 pages of plates, the volume includes numerous illustrations, photographs, and portraits, providing a visual record of the people, pearling operations, and the landscapes described within the text.
• Research & Context: Further enhancing its value as a historical document, the book includes a detailed map on its lining papers for geographical context and a comprehensive bibliography, offering avenues for further research into the subject.

As an original historical account from the mid-20th century, *The Pearl Seekers* remains a valuable resource for those interested in Australian maritime history, Indigenous studies, and the social dynamics of northern Australia during a pivotal period.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications