Animals & Their Maritime Significance

Dolphins, for example, are often seen as protectors of sailors, guiding them through treacherous waters, while sea turtles symbolise longevity and wisdom. Increasingly, historians are recognising the enduring maritime connections between northern Australia and Indonesia through the trade in trepang (sea cucumber), in the process highlighting the role of animals within customary medicinal practices. Meanwhile, local bird feathers formed the basis of an active international trade in the late 19th century, pushing certain species towards extinction at the same time as habitats were destroyed.

Southeast Asian fishers and sailors have used animals to develop sophisticated navigation techniques. For example, the presence and behaviour of birds can be used to predict weather patterns and the location of reefs and shoals. With much of the region’s population relying on the ocean for their protein needs, historic fishing and cultural practices – such as the whale hunting rituals of Lamalera and the fish weirs of Timor-Leste – also offer valuable insights into the sustainable management of marine animals.

Here, a well-preserved lime butterfly specimen showcases the butterfly’s widespread presence across Asia and Australia, linked to the distribution of citrus plants. These plants, native to southern China, were spread by both natural and human activities, including European voyages to prevent scurvy. The butterfly, known in Chinese as 达摩凤蝶 (dá mó fèng dié) or Bodhidharma butterfly, connects to the spread of Buddhism and martial arts across the region. The jar of marine fish from Ambon highlights the rich marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle and the historical significance of colonial trade in collecting natural history specimens. The ceramic elephant from Brunei, a pouring vessel from the 15th–16th centuries, reflects the artistry and trade connections of Southeast Asia. Lastly, the painting of an emu, tentatively attributed to a Chinese artist in Malacca, symbolizes the fascination with exotic animals and the extensive trade networks of the 18th and 19th centuries.

These objects reveal how animals have been central to the shared histories of Southeast Asia and Australia, reflecting broader themes of cultural exchange and trade.

Theme image: 192 Turtles and Fish in the Sea, Balustrade, Level 1, Borobudur, photograph by Anandajoti Bhikkhu, CC BY-SA 3.0.