Rare 19th Century ship figurehead of a First Nations woman, Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum (the Museum) has acquired a rare 19th century ship's figurehead of a First Nations woman thanks to support from the National Cultural Heritage Account. The impressive ship's figurehead is the oldest of two figureheads of First Nations people known to survive, and the only one depicting a woman.

The figurehead was made for a colonial ships and includes native Australian floral motifs and reliefs of an emu and a kangaroo at its base. Although not crafted by a First Nations artist, it has social significance and historical associations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It provides a reflection on the world of boatbuilding, trade, colonial connections and the frontier at that time.

Research has not identified the vessel the figurehead was carved for. However, the Museum has identified a small number of mid-19th century colonial vessels as likely hosts. These include the Taree, built in 1834 on the Manning River in NSW, the Yarra Yarra, built in 1837 on the Williams River in NSW, the Tasmanian schooner Truganina built at Hobart Town in Tasmania in 1839 and the Settler's Friend built at Ulmarra in NSW in 1867.

While the exact provenance has not been confirmed, the condition of the figurehead and its depiction of a 19th century First Nations woman make it incredibly rare and significant. The Museum plans to feature the object when it hosts the International Congress of Maritime Museums in September 2026.

The National Cultural Heritage Account is a grant program that assists Australian cultural organisations to acquire significant cultural heritage objects they may otherwise not be able to afford. Organisations can apply for funding at any time.

Photos courtesy of the ANMM.