Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Spears have been a significant component of the culture and heritage of Indigenous Australians. These spears were generally crafted from materials such as wood, bone, and stone. They were not only used for hunting and warfare but were also used for cultural purposes. For example, the spears were used in ceremonial dances and as symbols of authority.
Four indigenous Australian spears, that were cared for by Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology are set to be returned following a Trinity College agreement for the permanent return of them to Australia.
The spears had been obtained by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770 from Kamay, Botany Bay located in Sydney, New South Wales during the time of the initial encounters between the crew of the HMB Endeavour which was a British Royal Navy research vessel and the indigenous community of eastern Australia.
Trinity College came to an agreement to permanently repatriate the 4 spears to the La Perouse indigenous people. The College is presently engaging with the UK Charity Commission to receive approval to make this transfer of legal title.
Cook is said to have noted that 40 spears were obtained from the camps of indigenous communities residing in Botany Bay in April 1770.
The planned repatriation had followed years of discussion and cordial relations between the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Aboriginal community at La Perouse.
Discussions consisted of members of the local Gweagal community – the indigenous people from whom the spears were obtained and the the wider Dharawal Nation, along with leading community organizations, such as the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council as well as the Gujaga Foundation.
“I want to acknowledge the respectfulness of Trinity College in returning these spears back to our community. In caring for the spears for over 252 years, Trinity College has ensured that these priceless artefacts can now be utilised for cultural education by the Aboriginal community into the future,” said Dharawal Elder, Dr Shayne Williams.
