Coolamon (vessel)
Coolamon is an anglicised version of the
It is a multi-purpose shallow vessel, or
Coolamons were traditionally used by Aboriginal women to carry water, fruit, nuts, as well as to cradle babies. Today when women gather
This helped to cushion and support the carriage of the coolamon; the same purpose as those used by women in traditional cultures around the world to carry vessels on their heads. The
Coolamons were used for winnowing grains in the traditional bread-making process, as well as a general heating and cooking vessel. They could even be used as an umbrella.
Construction
Coolamons are generally made by the men. They are usually made from a hardwood such as mallee. In Central Australia, the bean tree
Coolamons were often ornately decorated on their exterior with various etchings – depicting tribal insignia and totemic designs. They were also used in
Many other names are used in other parts of Aboriginal Australia, by
area. Some other names, and their respective languages, include:Word | language |
---|---|
piti |
|
|
Ualarai
|
binguie | Wollaroi |
|
Kutthung
|
oorlarda | Bardi |
tarnuk | |
lijarri | Wagiman |
urtne | Arrernte |
yandandakko | Pintupi
|
yandi | Noongar |
yoko | Kaurna |
tjarndu | Murrinh Patha |
gulaman | Wiradjuri |
See also
- Scarred trees
- Bush bread
- Australian Aboriginal artefacts
References
- ^ "Coolamon, NSW". Aussie Towns. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
- ISBN 0-17-005049-1, p101.
- ^ Thomson, op cit, illustration 13