Emily Stehr

Interesting (but Incomplete) History of Indigenous Peoples of Australia Emily Stehr

Thomas Worsnop, compiler; The Prehistoric Arts, Manufacturers, Works, Weapons, etc, of the Aborigines of Australia; CE Bristow, Government Printer; 1897 Thomas Worsnop writes: "SHELL APRONS "The native divers engaged in the pearl industry in Western Australia sometimes wear aprons made of pearlshell, which are perforated at the upper edge and hang as a pendant from a waistbelt made of opossum fur. These shells are highly polished, and are often marked with curious devices, according to the taste of the wearers. The annexed account of their operations may be of interest."