ABORIGINAL BREASTPLATE COMES HOME TO JERVIS BAY.
An Aboriginal breastplate from the 19th century is returning home to Jervis Bay. The breastplate was given to local Queen Mary Golding (1826 – 1928) (nee Carpenter of Kiama) in 1896.
Breastplates were crescent-shaped metal plaques worn around the neck, issued during the 19th and early 20th centuries by colonial authorities to indigenous Australians who, in the eyes of the government of the day, were identified as tribal leaders or valued for their service or loyalty to the authorities.
Today we recognise those gestures of government as being unsympathetic to Aboriginal people. Nevertheless, they still hold considerable historical and cultural significance for local Aboriginal communities.
Queen Mary and her husband James Golding, also known as ‘Billy Budd II, King of Jarvis Bay’, lived at Billong (Myola) on Currambene Creek, where they played a prominent role in local Aboriginal community life until James died in 1905. Mary remained a respected figure into her centenarian years, and was remembered locally for her strength, wit, and presence within the settler and Aboriginal community.
“The rediscovery the breastplate, and its return to the communities in Huskisson, is an important act of cultural reconnection, and we are thrilled that it is coming back to Country” – Diana Lorentz, Director Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
A special ceremony was held on Friday 12th June 2026 at the Museum to acknowledge the Return to Country of the Breastplate.
The Breastplate was purchased with funds from the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and the Federal Government.
