2-979-554 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Aborigines of Western Australia, 1857. 'As the aboriginal tribes...disappear before the march of civilisation, it may be interesting to chronicle...a few of their peculiarities and characteristics...Naturally, the natives wear no clothing; but, if any article of dress be given them, they are proud to array themselves in it. The manner in which they wrap a blanket around them, fastening it over one shoulder, is very graceful. The women are exceedingly susceptible to gay colours - I suppose the nature of the sex is the same in all climes - and accept a bright pocket handkerchief or a few beads with as much delight as an English girl would receive a Parisian bonnet...[Their number] is not great, and it is steadily decreasing. Several tribes have already wholly disappeared. Many efforts have been made to protect them, and to induce them to adopt settled and industrious habits, but with various success'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.