Fisherman's hat

Datec 1994

Object number00018174

NameHat

MediumLontar palm leaf or pandanus palm leaf

DimensionsOverall: 205 mm, 0.15 kg
Display Dimensions: 200 mm

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis fisherman's hat (saraung) was manufactured in Ujung Pandang, Sulawesi, Indonesia and is representative of the traditional headwear used by Macassan traders. It is made of either lontar palm leaf or pandanus palm leaf. HistorySince at least the 17th century Macassan traders from Indonesia were coming to the shores of northern Australia on an annual basis to harvest trepang (sea cucumbers, beche de mer) - a delicacy favoured throughout Asia, particularly in China. At the time, Macassan traders were travelling in the most technologically advanced vessels seen in Australian waters. In their prahus (also spelled perahu) they sailed down during the monsoonal wet season and returned at the start of the dry season to trade with Dutch and Chinese merchants. They also collected and traded other marine products such as pearls, pearl shell, trochus shell, fish, turtle shells and meat. This trade started to decline at the turn of the 20th century when the Australian government introduced customs taxes and license fees as a deterrent. The contact between the local Indigenous people, the Yolngu and the Macassans had an impact on both cultures in aspects of art, trade, technology, language, economy and even marriage. The Macassan visitors are remembered in Indigenous oral history, ceremonies and paintings depicting Macassan prahus. SignificanceThis object is representative of the long presence of Macassan traders in northern Australia.