My name is Stephen Beck and I am a maritime archaeology PhD candidate at James Cook University located in Queensland, Australia.  My research focus is the Queensland labour trade.  This period of Queensland's past existed from 1863 to 1904.  During this time over 90 vessels transported (willingly or otherwise) some 60,000 South Sea Islanders to work in the Queensland sugar cane fields. 

The standard tenure of engagement was three years.  Upon completion the Islanders were returned to their islands along with their trade boxes which contained all the trade items they had purchased during their period of indenture.

As part of my research I am investigating a number of ceramic armbands recovered in 1982 from the wreck of a wooden labour schooner that sank on the Great Barrier Reef in 1893.  This vessel was returning 84 Islanders to the Solomon Islands.  It appears that  European companies were manufacturing ceramic copies of traditional South Sea Islander shell armbands for use as trade items.  Research has revealed that ceramic copies of other status goods  e.g., dogs' teeth, human teeth, nose bars and shell ornaments were also being manufactured for use in Africa and the Pacific.

So far 43 armbands and numerous armband fragments have been recovered from the wreck site by the Maritime Archaeology section of the Queensland Museum.  A typology based on the morphology of the armbands and any motifs displayed on their surfaces was used to determine that eight styles of ceramic armbands exist in the assemblage.   Five of these styles are recognizable as true copies of traditional shell armbands.   However, the other three styles have motifs which are not part of the South Sea Islander culture.  I have shown photographs of these particular armbands to museum curators and university lecturers in Australia and England.   These particular armbands appear to be an archaeological mystery.  Were they of European design? Was their design influenced by other cultures, and  why were they on this labour schooner?

All of the armbands recovered have been analysed and found to be low fired cream earthenware.  The core and margins are white and a white glaze/slip has been applied.  No manufacturers' marks are present on any of the armbands.  However, research has so far revealed that two companies may have been involved with the manufacture of ceramic trade goods - Messrs Sachse in Austria and  R&C in Germany.
 

 If any one has any information on any of these items or the companies that may have manufactured them (especially the mystery styles) or any other research contacts that may be relevant please contact me at:
 

Cheers

Stephen Beck