Herbert Basedow

Who was Herbert Basedow?

Herbert Basedow was an Australian anthropologist, geologist, politician, explorer and medical practitioner.

Basedow was born in Kent Town, South Australia. His early education was in Adelaide, South Australia and Hanover, Germany. After finishing his schooling, Basedow studied science at the University of Adelaide where he majored in geology. Basedow later completed postgraduate studies at several European universities and undertook some medical work in Europe.

During his working life, Basedow took part in many major geological, exploratory and medical relief expeditions to central and northern Australia. On these expeditions, he took photographs and collected geological and natural history specimens and Aboriginal artefacts.

Basedow was one of the few people of his time involved in recording the traditional life of Australian Aborigines. He also actively lobbied government for better treatment of Aboriginal people and campaigned for an improvement in Aboriginal health.

Basedow served as a member of the South Australian House of Assembly for a three-year term from 1927 to 1930.