Over its 120 year history the Western Australian Museum has often received donations of collections from members of the public that provide unique insights into the people and places of WA.

Dr Moya Smith, Head of Anthropology and Archaeology at the WA Museum will present a public lecture about a special collection of Aboriginal artefacts donated to the Museum in 1911 by a Spanish missionary who was based in the remote communities of Western Australia’s Kimberley at the turn of the twentieth century.

Father Nicholas Emo was a member of the fledgling Catholic missions in Broome, Drysdale River, Beagle Bay and Lombadina from 1895 to 1915.

His work brought him into contact with many Aboriginal communities and camps and over his twenty year tenure he collected more than 400 Aboriginal objects which he described as being of 'special value to me'.

The objects, now held by the WA Museum, include a range of men’s weapons, such as spears, spearthrowers and axes, domestic items made by women, items of personal adornment, and some ephemeral items such as resin for hafting objects together and tobacco.

Dr Smith said the collection was significant as it included more than just Aboriginal weapons.

“At the turn of the twentieth century men’s weapons in Aboriginal communities were confiscated in the hope of achieving quieter communities.  With many spears and axes donated to museums around the country, there is a perception that weapons are over-represented in museum records,” she said.

“The material Father Nicholas collected is of much wider focus than men’s weapons and gives us a real insight into community life in the Kimberley in the early 1900s,” Dr Smith said.

Dr Smith started working with Kimberley community members and elders in the early 1980s and found that people still remembered Father Nicholas.

“Both men and women held Father Emo in their memories as a man who encouraged many elements of traditional life.”

During her lecture Dr Smith will discuss the importance of detailed records kept by collectors, some of the circumstances of Father Nicholas’ life in Kimberley communities, and the objects he collected and subsequently donated to the WA Museum.

Dr Smith’s lecture is part of the WA Museum’s Harry Butler: In the Wild West lecture series.

The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. The series showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences.

LECTURE: Kimberley collector: Father Nicholas Emo
WHEN: Thursday 15 September 2011, 7:00pm, Friday 16 September 2011, 2:00pm
WHERE: Western Australian Museum – Albany, Residency Road, Albany
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
COST: Entry by gold coin donation

Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T: 9212 3856 M: 0424027646