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Turtle shell and mother of pearl box
Turtle shell and mother of pearl box

Turtle shell and mother of pearl box

Datec 1910
Object numberV00030076
NameBox
MediumTurtle shell, pearl shell, wood, paper, metal, fabric
DimensionsOverall: 150 x 350 x 210 mm
Display dimensions: 360 x 345 x 280 mm
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis finely crafted inlaid box was made by a lighthouse keeper in Torres Strait, Queensland, about 1910. A silver gelatin print of a seated man holding a straw hat is framed by small conical shells at the centre of the lid. Above the photograph a bone and turtle shell rowing boat is suspended by two removable davits and a series of pulleys.HistoryA card accompanying the box is inscribed: 'This box and boat was made by an Austrian born, Torres Strait light house keeper about 1910. The silver rivets used in the construction were fashioned by him from links of his watch chain. This interesting example of patient craftsmanship was acquired by the present owner during the First World War 1914-1918.' There were only two lighthouses operating in Torres Straight in 1910, Booby Island and Good's Island. In 1910 Good's Island also housed a pilot station and a pearl shelling station, whereas Booby Island contained only a lighthouse, which was used primarily as a navigational outpost. The lighthouse keeper who made the box may have been Alex Baase at Goods Island in the Torres Strait, although Baase was German, not Austrian-born. There were only two lighthouses in Torres Strait in 1910, the other being on Booby Island. Baase was born at Hanover in 1859. He migrated to Australia and was working at Sandy Cape Lighthouse on Fraser Island in December 1909, when he was promoted to Goods Island, where he was both lighthouse keeper and signalman with no other staff apart from island boatmen. The box is a unique object, a piece of maritime-related handcraft using locally found materials and painstakingly executed with fine craftsmanship and technical skill. It provides an insight into the life of the isolated lighthousekeeper.SignificanceThe box is a unique object, a piece of maritime-related handcraft using locally found materials, painstakingly executed with fine craftsmanship and technical skill. It provides an insight into the life of the isolated lighthousekeeper.