Coolamon (vessel)

A Coolamon is a traditional transport container of the Aborigines to bear. It serves several purposes, such as for example as a bowl with its curved sides. A Coolamon reaches a length of 30 -70cm and is shaped like a canoe.

Use

Coolamons but traditionally used by Aboriginal women for the storage of water, fruits and nuts as a baby carrier. If women today deal with bush foods, they usually use a tin can or tin for flour. The Coolamon was worn on the head, if distances had to be overcome, or it was carried under the arm when it was used for transport. If the Coolamon placed on the head, a round cushion came ( a akartne in the language of Arrernte ) in between, which consisted of either a Possum or a human hair ring and / or made ​​of twisted grass or feathers. This helped to cushion painful shocks to the head and protected the existing in Coolamon freight. For the same purpose, women use in India and Africa, such a cushion when they carry containers on her head. The Pintupi in the Western Desert to protect themselves with a double braided band ( ngalyibi ) from hair or bast fibers, to bear the Coolamon on their shoulders. They also wore a smaller Coolamon as a hat with a cord around his chin.

Coolamons were also to remove the shell of the seeds in the manufacturing process of bush bread, as well as generally, used as a container for cooked and baked. It also served as umbrella.

Production

Coolamons were generally made ​​by men. There were usually formed from hardwood trees such as the Mallee. In Central Australia this is often the Bean Tree ( Erythrina vespertilio ) was used. A piece of the outer bark of the tree is removed and placed on fire in the shape, and which took the typical form of coolamons. Depth burrs were cut using a flint knife. It need to the Coolamon received his form a few days work. It seems to have been made ​​from tree branches or tree growths.

Coolamons were often decorated ornamental on its outer side with various carvings, such as with the typical trappings of the aboriginal tribes or with totem design. They were also used in ceremonies, for example, aromatic smoke that was believed by the that he had a cleansing effect. The Coolamon were usually rubbed with fat of emus to keep the wood in good condition.

Etymology

Coolamon a word from the East Coast of Australia, originating from Murri or living in Queensland Aborigines, as well as of the Dharug or Eora Aboriginal people in the Sydney area. Some other names for Coolamon are:

• Pitjantjatjara
• Martu Wangka

• Pitchi
• Bindgie
• Bingie

• Dondee (small)
• Kittee (big )