Black Hawke Bay

Statement of Significance

Flying Foam Passage was an area of major importance during the early pearling days in North West Australia, and over 500 people have been described as being there in the pearling season. Black Hawke Bay is of historical significance was used by the pearlers as a settlement and base, and is a rare type of site. Black Hawke Bay is of value to researchers as it contains more relics and remains of structures than any other known pearling site in the Dampier Archipelago.

Physical Description

The bay is clearly marked by a prominent vertical rock at its southern promontory. It is well sheltered from the elements by a range of hills on its northern shore and a lower line of ridges on its southern shore. The inlet forms a muddy bay at low tide upon which vessels were careened.
A number of dry walled stone structures are located approximately 300 metres from the bay entrance and approximately 20 metres from the high tide level.1 These consist of huts and small stone hearths, suggesting that the structures used a range of moveable fabric (such as metal sheeting or canvas with wooden frames) held down with stones. Material culture associated with these is sparse and includes some ceramic and glass fragments, alongside some faunal remains and pearl shell fragments.
The most dominant part of the settlement is a levelled platform backing into the hillside, consisting of retaining walls and a stone ramp. This is located at the upper reaches of the small bay. There are two drystone walled structures alongside the platform. This is presumed to have served a role in either processing the pearlshell or the maintenance of the watercraft.
The littoral zone of the inlet contains evidence of past vessels including mooring chains, parts of boats including gearing, and ballast piles.

History

The Flying Foam Passage was a significant focus for the pearling fleet in the late 1800s and this is the largest site complex on the Flying Foam Passage. It provided a protective harbour, a location to careen the fleet, a residential camp, and was of use for processing the pearlshell.

Archaeology

Historical settlement: The settlement includes the large platform, ramp, and stone-walled buildings. Nearby were a ship’s tank, windlass parts and ship’s fittings. The more ephemeral structures are characterised by areas cleared of stone to form small open platforms, stone lines as bases for tent-like structures, cairns, hearths, and cleared ‘laneways’. Surface finds included fragments of ‘champagne’ bottles, schnapps bottles, pickle bottles, salad oil and medicinal bottles, Asian ceramic tea bowls, iron tools and small locks. Shell included pearlshell and trochus. The littoral zone is littered with copper sheathing, chains, ballast mounds, glass and ceramic vessels and ship parts.
Aboriginal sites: There are two Registered Aboriginal Sites at this location; both encompass rock art and evidence of occupation (DAA Site ID 11699 ‘Gidley Bay, Gidley Island’ and DAA Site ID 11713 ‘Last Encounter Cove’). The main engraving at the historical complex is a large macropod engraving on an outcrop overlooking the bay.

Integrity/Authenticity

The main elements at the site are wall footings of dry stone construction, and substantial foundations of major structures at the edge of the bay.

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.