Ancestral breastplate secured for Jerrinja Aboriginal Community
A 19th century Aboriginal ancestral breastplate has been returned to Country on the New South Wales South Coast with assistance from the Australian Government’s National Cultural Heritage Account. The brass breastplate was made between by 1880-1910 and belonged to Queen Mary Carpenter, a highly regarded and influential member of the Jerrinja Aboriginal Community.
Queen Mary and her husband James Golding, also known as ‘Billy Budd II, King of Jarvis Bay’, played a prominent role in local Aboriginal community life in Huskisson. The whereabouts of this breastplate was unknown after Queen Mary’s death until it was recently listed at auction in Melbourne. The Jerrinja Aboriginal community has entrusted the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to hold the breastplate in their collection for safekeeping.
The Maritime Museum also holds a replica second breastplate belonging to King Budd Billy II, with the original held in the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. Often made from brass, copper or bronze, these crescent-shaped plaques were worn around the neck and were typically gifted to prominent Aboriginal community members by colonial authorities as a sign of respect and gratitude.
A ceremony was held on 12 June at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to acknowledge the return to Country of the breastplate. Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke: “The National Cultural Heritage Account exists so important pieces of cultural heritage are protected. “We know how important it is to keep these objects on Country close to their communities.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy: “Almost a century after the passing of its owner, this breastplate is returning to Saltwater Country on the New South Wales South Coast.
“Breastplates like these can evoke mixed feelings but every repatriation of a cultural and heritage item is an important return to Country and communities.” Quotes attributable to Diana Lorentz, Director of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum: “The rediscovery of 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.” The breastplate will go on display at the Jervis Bay Museum from 23 June 2026.
National Cultural Heritage Account (link is external) was established to assist Australian cultural organisations to acquire significant Australian cultural heritage objects for display and safekeeping. An image and caption can be found (link is external) Subscribe and stay up to date Connect with us PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.