The role of Aboriginal and Asian labour in the origin and development of the pearling industry, Broome, Western Australia 1862-1940

Abstract

The pearling industry centred at Broome, Western Australia has attracted considerable attention because of its colourful history. It is a commonly held belief that pioneering Europeans were responsible for the establishment and consolidation of pearling and the growth of Broome between 1862-1940. This thesis challenges that assumption in part and restores to its rightful place the historical role of Aboriginal and Asian labour in the industry. In particular, it examines the impact of Western Australian pearling on the traditional culture of the Bardi and Yaoro - the region’s indigenous inhabitants - and the contribution of Asian labour - Japanese, Koepangers, Malays and Manillamen - in the origin and development of that industry. Show more