Lustre: Pearling & Australia Touring Exhibition (expired event)

The use of the pearlshell in Australia dates back over 20,000 years. It is a story full of wonder, intrigue and the ill-effects of greed.

Lustre: Pearling & Australia explores the gritty human story of pearling, weaving together intersecting trends of Aboriginal, Asian, and European histories to reveal insights into one of our oldest industries.

Discover the stories behind Northern Australia's unique and ancient pearling tradition. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the shell itself, its evolution and habitat, and the people who have collected and harvested these treasures for time immemorial.

This exhibition was curated in 2015 as a dynamic partnership between the WA Museum and Nyamba Buru Yawuru–the native title holders of Broome. After an acclaimed tour of the eastern states, Lustre returns to Western Australia for its premiere regional tour.