Pearing Elders
Sat 04 Jul '26 – Thu 31 Dec '26
Product List
Product List
Overview
This exhibition explores the Torres Strait pearling industry and centres the lived experiences of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and South Sea Islander seafarers whose stories have historically been overlooked.
From the late 19th to early 20th century, the Torres Strait was the global centre of the mother‑of‑pearl industry, supplying shell used in buttons, instruments, and luxury goods worldwide.
Through portraits, oral histories, and…
This exhibition explores the Torres Strait pearling industry and centres the lived experiences of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and South Sea Islander seafarers whose stories have historically been overlooked.
From the late 19th to early 20th century, the Torres Strait was the global centre of the mother‑of‑pearl industry, supplying shell used in buttons, instruments, and luxury goods worldwide.
Through portraits, oral histories, and research led by Kuku Yalanji woman Nerelle Nicol, the exhibition honours the remaining Elders who worked on pearling luggers and preserves their stories for future generations.
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Access and Inclusion Statement
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)