Coolamon (vessel)
A coolamon is an Indigenous Australian carrying vessel.
It is an all-purpose shallow vessel, or dish with curved sides, ranging in length from 30–70cm, and similar in shape to a canoe.
Coolamons were traditionally used by Aboriginal women to carry water, fruits, nuts, as well as to cradle babies. They were carried on the head when travelling any distance, or under the arm if used as a cradle. If carried on the head, a ring pad (akartne in Arrernte) was placed on the head, made out of possum and/or human hair string and twisted grass. This helped to cushion and support the carriage of the coolamon; the same purpose as those used by women in India and Africa to carry vessels on their head. (Sudanese woman, Indian women).
Coolamons were used for winnowing grains in the traditional bread-making process, as well as a general heating and cooking vessel.
Making the coolamon
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Coolamons are generally made by the men. They are usually made from a hardwood such as mallee. A piece of the outer bark of the tree is removed, then moulded over the fire to give it its distinctive curved sides. It must be left to stand for a number of days, with a stick of wood holding it open to prevent it losing its shape. It may also be made of a knot, or excrescence (“wirree”), from a tree.
Coolamons were often ornately decorated on their exterior with various etchings – depicting tribal insignia and totemic designs. They were also used in ceremonies, such as for aromatic smoking, which was believed to have purifying effects.
Some names for Coolamon in other Aboriginal languages
Coolamon is a word from the east coast of Australia, used by Murri, or Queensland Aborigines, as well as by the Dharug, or Eora people from the Sydney area. Some other names include:
- piti (Pitjantjatjara, Martu Wangka)
- pitchi
- bindgie
- bingie (Ualarai)
- binguie (Wollaroi)
- dondee (small) (Kutthung)
- kittee (big) (Kutthung)
- tarnuk
- urtne (Arrernte)
- yoko (Kaurna)