WOOL
so-called Australia is said to have been ‘built on the sheep’s back.’ This began in 1796 when John Macarthur imported the first Spanish Merino sheep from South Africa.
Sheep were bred primarily for meat in the early colony, but the Merino remains central to the wool industry
wool bale hooks
c.19th century, a pair of wood and iron wool bale hooks
24 cm long
acquired Bargain Hunt, Eora/Sydney
wool shears
c.1900 - 1980, a pair of metal hand shears attached with a leather clasp
35 cm length
acquired Theodore Bruce Auctions, Eora/Sydney