Pearling TimelineArticle | Updated 7 years ago Melo miltonis WA Museum Over 500 million years ago Molluscs evolve Fossil records suggest that a diverse range of molluscan forms were present around 545 million years ago. Pinctada, commonly known as pearl oysters, appeared around 13.66 million years ago. A range of molluscs: Melo miltonis (southern baler, a large sea snail), Lopha cristagalli(cockscomb oyster), Pinctada maxima (silver- or gold-lipped pearl oyster), and Tridacna gigas (giant clam). Clay Bryce, courtesy WA Museum A range of molluscs: Melo miltonis (southern baler, a large sea snail), Lopha cristagalli(cockscomb oyster), Pinctada maxima (silver- or gold-lipped pearl oyster), and Tridacna gigas (giant clam). Clay Bryce, courtesy WA Museum A range of molluscs: Melo miltonis (southern baler, a large sea snail), Lopha cristagalli(cockscomb oyster), Pinctada maxima (silver- or gold-lipped pearl oyster), and Tridacna gigas (giant clam). Clay Bryce, courtesy WA Museum A range of molluscs: Melo miltonis (southern baler, a large sea snail), Lopha cristagalli(cockscomb oyster), Pinctada maxima (silver- or gold-lipped pearl oyster), and Tridacna gigas (giant clam). Clay Bryce, courtesy WA Museum 22,000 years ago The ancient value of shell Aboriginal groups in Australia were some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell. The oldest evidence of this interest is a 22,000-year-old piece of shell found in a West Kimberley rock shelter, which had been brought 200 kilometres from the shoreline. The view from the rock shelter where the 22,000-year-old shell was found. Courtesy Sarah Yu 7,500 years ago The first fisheries The world’s oldest archaeological pearl was discovered in a burial site in Umm al-Quwain, United Arab Emirates, and dates back 7,500 years. This is the earliest trace of the ancient pearling tradition in the Persian Gulf, which along with the Gulf of Mannar was home to one of the first pearl fisheries. This 7,500 year old pearl was discovered at a Neolithic site in the United Arab Emirates in 2012. The Persian Gulf is historically one of the most prolific sources of pearls. Image copyright WA Museum For thousands of years, pearls have been prized and traded around the Gulf of Mannar, continually adorning the thrones, crowns and clothing of Indian royalty. Landman, Mikkelsen, Bieler and Bronson, Pearls: A Natural History (2001) 2,500 years ago Gems of ancient civilisations When the Persians conquered Egypt in the sixth century BC, they brought with them pearls, which soon became a fixation of Egyptian royalty. Two hundred years later, Alexander the Great’s conquest of the Persian Empire introduced pearls to the Greeks, and later the Romans. Giambattista Tiepolo, The Banquet of Cleopatra (1743–44, oil on canvas, 250.3 x 357.0 cm) Image copyright WA Museum This painting depicts the legend that Cleopatra, in an extravagant display of her wealth to Mark Antony, dissolved a pearl in vinegar and swallowed it. AD 618–907 The mythical pearl Chinese mythology sees pearls as objects possessing great value and wisdom. The motif of the flaming pearl, chased and revered by a dragon, first appeared in the Tang Dynasty. The pearl’s association with serpent-like creatures is paralleled in other mythologies across the world. The Gnostic poem ‘Hymn of the Pearl’ tells the story of a boy sent to Egypt to retrieve from a serpent the pearl that held the knowledge of the world. Silk, gilt thread, twill and damask weave, embroidery. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William G. Ho, in memory of C.K. and Soo Yong Huang, 1985 (12347.1). Courtesy Honolulu Museum of Art The dragon desires and treasures the flaming pearl for its great value and power of enlightenment. 1400s–1600s European exploration Seeking to satisfy the Spanish crown’s infatuation with pearls, Christopher Columbus found success on his third voyage to the Americas in 1498. Two centuries later, William Dampier became the first European to discover pearl beds in Australia, around the coast of Shark Bay. Queen Isabella I of Castile, like many European royals, was infatuated with pearls. Her crown, jewellery and clothing were adorned with the jewels, and she was even known to weave them into her hair. Public domain image Queen Isabella I of Castile, like many European royals, was infatuated with pearls. Her crown, jewellery and clothing were adorned with the jewels, and she was even known to weave them into her hair. A map used by Dampier during his 1699 voyage to Australia (then known as New Holland), on which he first sighted pearl beds around Shark Bay. Courtesy National Library of Australia 1729 MAP NK 11185 On voyages to northern Australia gathering trepang (sea cucumbers or bêche-de-mer), trochus (sea snails) and turtle, fishermen from Macassar in south Sulawesi also began collecting pearlshell. Northern Territory rock art suggests these journeys were occurring as early as the sixteenth century; this represents perhaps the earliest exploitation of Australian pearlshell. 1500s Australian pearlshell crosses the sea On voyages to northern Australia gathering trepang (sea cucumbers or bêche-de-mer), trochus (sea snails) and turtle, fishermen from Macassar in south Sulawesi also began collecting pearlshell. Northern Territory rock art suggests these journeys were occurring as early as the sixteenth century; this represents perhaps the earliest exploitation of Australian pearlshell. Rock art from Djulirri in the Wellington Range, north western Arnhem Land. Courtesy Ronald Lamilami (Maung Language Group, Namunidjbuk Estate) with Daryl Wesley A ustralian pearls h ell crosses t h e sea 1800s Etched meanings in shell Pearlshell had been harvested and prized by Aboriginal people long before European contact, and was traded inland from the coast. Since the mid-1800s riji (carved pearlshell) was exchanged extensively between Aboriginal communities across northwest and central Australia. These carved iridescent shells continue to be valued for their associations with water, rain and life. Sunday Island men dressed for a ceremony performed for the North-west Scientific Expedition members, 1917. William Jackson, courtesy WA Museum DA9312-153 1850s–1860s An Australian industry is born The pearl oyster Pinctada albina was first collected by entrepreneurs at Shark Bay in 1850, but it was the 1861 discovery of the far larger Pinctada maxima shells at Nickol Bay that had prospective pearlers flocking to Western Australia. By 1870, Queensland pearlers had established an industry in the Torres Strait. A depiction of the burgeoning pearl fishery in the Torres Strait. The large Pinctada maxima pearlshell attracted huge prices on the international market. Picture Atlas of Australasia (1886) In the early days, Australia’s pearling industry hinged upon the exploitation of Aboriginal and later Asian divers. Courtesy State Library of Western Australia BA1713/2 1880s–1914 Broome: ‘the pearling capital of the world’ In the 1880s pearlers turned their sights to Roebuck Bay (Broome) in the West Kimberley. By 1910 Broome was the largest pearling centre in the world, benefitting from newly introduced diving suits, fertile waters and a booming international pearl button market. Among the major players were the steadily rising Japanese and Chinese pearlers. The crew of a pearl lugger in Broome, c. 1900. The culturally diverse pearling community turned Broome into a cosmopolitan town. Courtesy National Archives of Australia K1349 WA00272[A] Early 1900s The cultured pearl The pearling industry witnessed a breakthrough in 1904, when two scientists in Japan, Tatsuhei Mise and Tokishi Nishikawa, patented a technique to cultivate round pearls. They may have accessed the work of Australian scientist, William Saville-Kent, who had already grown half pearls. In 1916 Japanese pearler Kokichi Mikimoto introduced cultured round pearls to the commercial market. William Saville-Kent who, some argue, was the first person to cultivate round pearls. Public domain image 1918 Connections to God In 1918 the Sacred Heart Church was opened in Beagle Bay. Pearlshell features throughout the church’s interior, and mother of pearl adorns the main altar. Mission residents made the 60,000 limestone bricks and helped gather thousands of live shells from tidal reefs. Traditional motifs from the Nyulnyul, Nimanborr and the Bardi people are included in the designs. The interior of the Sacred Heart Church, Beagle Bay, decorated with shells, including mother of pearl, cowries, volutes and olives. Courtesy Sarah Yu 1900s–today Enduring allure As objects of great beauty and fascination, pearls and pearlshell continue to captivate people. The development of cultured pearls has made the gems more accessible, and enabled a rapid increase in pearl jewellery. Pearls are still prized by royalty, movie stars and other celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel. Courtesy Getty Images Pearls are still prized by royalty, movie stars and other celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel. Courtesy Getty Images 1950s–today Pearl farms: a new era The pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century after the war and the proliferation of plastic buttons. However, Australia’s pearlers gradually forged a new industry of cultured pearl farms, beginning at Kuri Bay in 1956. These farms developed new technologies, safer practices and better understanding of oyster husbandry and sustainability. They continue to innovate today, and remain committed to growing perfect pearls. A modern pearl farm. In the longline system (seen here), panels of pearls hang from buoyed lines that are also anchored at the bottom. Courtesy Cygnet Bay Pearls A fleet of custom-built pearling vessels, which replaced the luggers in the 1970s. Courtesy Paspaley Pearling Company The future Continuing a rich history In 2011 the Australian Government added the West Kimberley to its National Heritage List, in recognition of the significance of the region’s pearling heritage to the country’s history, culture and indigenous community. West Kimberley coastal Aboriginal groups continue to pass their pearlshell heritage on to their children. Bardi dancers wearing riji (carved pearlshell)performing ilma (cultural dance) at Kooljaman Resort, Cape Leveque, 2008. Courtesy Esther Beaton The annual Shinju Matsuri (Japanese for ‘Festival of the Pearl’) in Broome, which celebrates the town’s pearling heritage. The festival began in 1970 and continues today. Courtesy Broome Historical Society 2010-382b ‹ Welcome Mother of Pearl ›