Tuesday Curatorial: The life and times of Daisy Bates, pioneer anthropologist

Uncover the story of Daisy Bates (1859 - 1951); one of Australia's treasures. 

Daisy Bates, a pioneer anthropologist, dedicated her life to studying and advocating for Aboriginal people in Australia. Born in 1859 in Ireland, Bates moved to Australia in 1884 and became deeply involved in the welfare of Aboriginal communities. Her work primarily focused on documenting their cultures, languages, and traditions.

Bates is best known for her extensive fieldwork, living for long periods among various Aboriginal groups, particularly in Western and South Australia. She often faced harsh living conditions to carry out her research, earning the affectionate title "Kabbarli," meaning "grandmother," from the Aboriginal people she worked with.

Daisy Bates was a controversial, mysterious and eccentric historic figure. At the time, her motives were sound, but her methods often upset traditionalists. 

We will look at all these aspects of her life, and her research in the south-west of Western Australia.

Presented by Malcolm Traill, Research Associate, Museum of the Great Southern.