Aboriginal breastplate facts for kids

Bungaree, A Native Chief of N.S. Wales painted by Augustus Earle, wearing his breastplate.

Aboriginal breastplates were special metal plates worn around the neck by some Indigenous Australians during the 1800s. They were also called king plates or Aboriginal gorgets. White colonial authorities gave these plates to people they thought were important Aboriginal leaders.

It's important to know that Aboriginal people traditionally did not have kings or queens. They lived in smaller family groups called clans. Elders, who were older men and women, made decisions together for their group. When colonial authorities chose "kings" or "queens" and gave them these plates, it was different from how Aboriginal communities traditionally worked.

What Are Aboriginal Breastplates?

Aboriginal breastplates were usually shaped like a crescent moon. They were made from metals like brass or iron. These plates were worn around the neck, often with a chain.

People's names were usually written on the plates. Below the name, words like 'King', 'Queen', or 'Chief' were often added. Some plates even had the royal seal of Queen Victoria! While some Aboriginal people wore their breastplates with pride, others felt it was another way the European settlers disrespected their culture.

A Short History of Breastplates

In the 1800s, many communities across Australia gave out king plates. They were given to Aboriginal men and women who were respected elders in their groups. Sometimes, they were given to brave men or loyal helpers. People also suggest that plates were given to those who were seen as helpful or respected by the white Australian community.

The practice of giving out breastplates started to slow down after Australia became a federation (a united country). By the late 1930s, it had almost stopped completely.

Who Wore Breastplates?

Not much is known about every single Aboriginal person who received a breastplate. Some plates only say "King" or "Queen" without a specific name. Others mention a service or achievement for which the person was rewarded. Some Aboriginal people wore their plates proudly, while others chose to destroy them.

It can be hard to learn about these breastplate wearers today. Most plates were given out a long time ago, between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Also, many place names have changed over time. This makes it difficult to find out where some of these important historical figures lived.

Here are a few examples of people who wore breastplates:

Notable Breastplate Holders

• Bungaree (New South Wales): He was a well-known Aboriginal leader from New South Wales. An artist named Augustus Earle painted his portrait, showing him wearing his king plate.
• Coburn Jackey (New South Wales): He was a Koori man from the Wiradjuri people. He received his king plate from James White, an early European settler. They were good friends, and Jackey helped White a lot.
• Cora Gooseberry Freeman Bungaree (New South Wales): She was known as the Queen of Sydney and Botany. She was the wife of Bungaree.
• Bilin Bilin (Queensland): Also known as Jackey Jackey King of Logan and Pimpama. He was a leader of the Yugambeh people and was respected by both Aboriginal people and European settlers. He received his plate in 1875.
• Jagar (Queensland): Known as King of Barron, he was a North Queensland Aborigine of the Yirriganydji people. He received his king plate in 1898.
• Dick-a-Dick (Victoria): He was a member of the famous 1868 Australian Aboriginal cricket team that toured England. Local authorities gave him a king plate.
• King Billy Elengeit (Victoria): An elder of the Waywurru or Pallanganmiddang people in north-east Victoria. His plate read: 'Billy Elengeit, King of the Barweegee.'
• Umbarra (New South Wales): Also known as King Merriman, he was a leader of the Yuin people from the Bermagui area. People said his totem, a black duck, told him the future.

Images for kids

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  Brass breastplate given to Coborn Jackey of the Burrowmunditory tribe.

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  An Aboriginal man wearing a breastplate inscribed "Albert King of George's River".

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  An Aboriginal man wearing a breastplate inscribed "Murray Jack".

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  Robert, King of Gumbathagang tribe, New South Wales, around 1900.

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  Breastplate of Billy Hippie King of Minnon, held in the National Museum of Australia.

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  George of Saxby Downs with his wife at Barambah Aboriginal Settlement, 1909.

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  An Aboriginal man wearing a breastplate inscribed "King Sandy Brisbane".

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  King Brown of Woolumba.

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  An Aboriginal man wearing a breastplate inscribed "Tommy King of Noosa".

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  Umbarra, also known as King Merriman, from Bermagui, wearing his King plate.