Camel Nose Pegs and Registration Tag, 1921

Camels were essential for transport across Western Australia’s remote goldfields—but even these desert explorers needed paperwork! This metal tag, stamped “CAMEL 1921 LEONORA/MALCOLM 129,” was issued under the Western Australian Roads Act 1902. The Act required cameleers to license and register their animals, adding costs and restrictions to their work.

Many cameleers, often from Afghan, Indian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds, saw these regulations as unjust. They petitioned British authorities to overturn the rules, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Nose pegs like these were traditionally used to guide camels with gentle pressure, demonstrating the remarkable partnership between humans and these hardy animals.

Donated by W.C. O’Connell (T1980.151).