In the 1860s, there was a 'loathsome' rush to collect the bones of Aboriginal Tasmanians. It sparked a shameful saga, centring on unsuspecting Aboriginal man William Lanne, and aspiring politician William Crowther. It echoes to this day – culminating in the toppling of a statue in Hobart.
It's a story of the "loathsome" practice of collecting and trading human skulls in the 1860s, racial intolerance, allegations of cover-ups, and a shocking public scandal that dragged in Tasmania's political leaders of the time.At its centre is Tasmanian Aboriginal man, William Lanne , who just wanted to enjoy his relatively short life with whalers on the seas, and around Hobart.
Mr Dry chose the Royal Society — but, in order to keep Dr Crowther onside politically, he promised him access to other Aboriginal graves.Professor Cressida Fforde, from the University of Southampton, provides a detailed chronology of the aftermath of Mr Lanne's death, based on public records.His body was first kept at the Hobart General Hospital, where the house surgeon was to ensure he was "protected from mutilation".
"The Examiner was struck by Crowther's callous disregard for his wrongdoing," Emeritus Professor Petrow wrote. The Examiner reported the unveiling, where a "very large assemblage" was gathered, noting his "broad" philanthropy. Nala Mansell, from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, said the statue would always be associated with trauma."The majority realise that that statue has no place in history.Hobart City Council agreed to remove the statue, but this was appealed by a group of three residents, including former alderman Jeff Briscoe, largely on heritage grounds.
William Lanne Franklin Square Nala Mansell Louise Elliot Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation
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