Emma Timbery facts for kids

Emma Timbery in 1895.

Emma Timbery (born around 1842 – died November 26, 1916) was an important Aboriginal Australian woman. She was from the Mulgoa area. Emma was famous for her beautiful shellwork. This special craft became a family tradition that is still practiced today. People knew her by many names, like "Queen of the Illawarra" or "Queen of La Perouse." She was also lovingly called "Granny Timbery." Emma was a Christian and actively involved in the Christian Endeavor Society in La Perouse. She also shared valuable information about her native language, Dharawal.

Emma Timbery's Early Life and Family

Emma Timbery was born near the Georges River in Liverpool, New South Wales. Her first language was Dharawal. She was first known by her stepfather's last name, Lond or Lownds. When she was about ten years old, Emma moved to live with Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hill. This was in Surry Hills, New South Wales. There, she started going to Sunday School regularly.

In 1864, Emma married George Timbery. He was an Aboriginal fisherman. They got married in Botany Bay. Emma and George had a large family together, with 11 children. By 1882, the family had moved to La Perouse.

Shellwork: A Family Tradition

In La Perouse, Emma Timbery found a way to earn extra money. She created amazing shell baskets and other shell art. Her shellwork was often shown to the public. It was also sold every year at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. Emma's work is considered a key part of the early shell art from La Perouse. In 1910, her beautiful shellwork was even displayed in London.

Community Leader and Fisher

Emma Timbery was highly respected in her community. People called her "Queen of La Perouse" or "Granny Timbery." She was also a very skilled fisher. On two occasions, in 1876 and in the early 1900s, a boat was given to the community. This helped them catch their own fish. The boat given in 1876 was named "Queen Emma." This was a special way to honor Emma Timbery.

Sharing Culture and Faith

Emma Timbery was an important informant about her own culture. She worked with anthropologist R.H. Mathews. He was studying the Dharawal language and culture. Her knowledge was very important. It helped to save and bring back the Dharawal language.

Emma became a Christian in the early 1890s. She was involved with Christian missionaries at the La Perouse Aboriginal settlement. She also joined the Christian Endeavor Society. Emma was even chosen as the vice president of the La Perouse branch of this society. She worked closely with missionary Retta Dixon. The two women were good friends and worked together.

There was a community belief that Queen Victoria had left land to Emma Timbery. However, it was thought that the important papers for this land were lost in a fire.

Emma Timbery's Legacy

Emma Timbery passed away in La Perouse on November 26, 1916. She was buried in Botany Cemetery. Emma left behind a strong family tradition of art. Her grandson, Joseph Timbery, became known for making boomerangs. Women in her family have continued the shellwork tradition. Her great-granddaughter, Esme Russell, has even won awards for her amazing shellwork.