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1920 May expedition

1920 May expedition

Warning: This exhibition and website contain some images of nudity and people in distressing circumstances. Visitors should also be aware that the exhibition and website include names and images of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Third medical relief expedition

In 1920 Herbert and Nell Basedow travelled to Marree in north-eastern South Australia to prepare for the third and final medical relief expedition.

The expedition's purpose was to inspect the health of Aboriginal people on pastoral stations between Marree and Charlotte Waters, just over the border in the Northern Territory, and as far as Alice Springs, Hermannsburg and Arltunga. The party was away from May to September. Joining the expedition en route were 17-year-old Frank Feast, who worked as a general assistant, and Arrerika, who looked after the camels.

The expeditioners travelled in a hooded van drawn by four camels. Along the way, Basedow visited places of scientific and general interest, taking photographs with a glass plate camera and two film-based cameras.

Basedow examined more than 850 Aboriginal people on this expedition, and once again found that those living in settled districts were less healthy than those living away from European influence.

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