A 150-year-old aboriginal artefact was unveiled at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide recently. The Wokali bark shield belonged to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide plains and dates back to the early 1850s. It was used in tribal fights. The Museum's head of anthropology, Phillip Clarke, says the shield was bought from a private collector for us $200,000.
"We never thought such a shield would come up for sale and there would be very few in any collection. There probably were a few collected by English colonists back in the early 19th century but being made of bark, it becomes brittle and can be easily smashed up," he told the media.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.