Cow-horn sharks by unknown artist

Craft
Two in one

A favourite pastime of many locals was to carve whatever enduring materials were at hand—turtle shell and catfish bones for the saltwater people, and cow horns and boab nuts for those from the station country. These wonderful examples of carved cow horns of the station country have been transformed into animated sharks from the saltwater country. They were carved by Aboriginal residents from Bungarun, the leprosarium, across the Derby marsh. Opened in 1936 for 50 years Aboriginal people suffering from leprosy were ‘rounded up’ and kept at the leprosarium and tirelessly cared for by the compassionate sisters of St John of God. Many never returned home to their families. Art and music were favourite pastimes of the residents as they adapted to life in the leprosarium.

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Shire of Derby / West Kimberley Library - local studies collection

Muddy Waters

Named after the Earl of Derby, the town has a rich colonial history as the first regional and administrative centre, supporting the sheep and cattle stations of the west Kimberley. Keeper of this...

Address:

Clarendon Street
Derby WA 6728
Australia

Open Hours
Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9.30am - 12pm; Thurs 1 - 5pm; Sat 10am – 12pm

More from the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley Library - local studies collection

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Nyikina—a language of the river country

Nyikina is one of the main languages of the West Kimberley region, particularly around the lower end of the mighty Fitzroy River. It is spoken by more people than Warrwa, which is the language group...

While you're in the area

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Boab Prison Tree
Attraction
Boab Prison Tree
The massive ancient Boab Prison Tree is believed to be around 1,500 years...
Broome-Derby Highway, Derby, WA 6728
Ord River
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Ord River
The mighty Ord River near Kununurra in the Kimberley region is one of...
via Savannah Way, Kununurra, WA 6743
Galvans Gorge
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Galvans Gorge
Galvans Gorge is the most accessible gorge along the legendary Gibb River...
Galvans Way, Derby, WA 6728
Derby Lodge
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Derby Lodge
Derby Lodge welcomes you to their oasis in the heart of the Kimberley's...
15-19 Clarendon Street, Derby, WA 6728