Crab wire

Date2009

Object number00055472

NameCrab wire

MediumMetal

DimensionsOverall: 995 × 5 × 43 mm, 182 g

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Terms

DescriptionA crab wire made by late Aboriginal elder James (Jimmy) Scott. The crab wire is used as an important fishing tool with garara making (fishing spear). After harvesting the tree to make a gurara (fishing spear) a crab wire is used to fix the shaft of the gurara. The wire was also used to remove the soft, inner pulp from one end and to burn out with a hot wire to accommodate three metal prongs, often made from car parts or fencing wire. These processes are living examples of intergenerational/familial knowledge transmission. Once widespread in the south-east, knowledge of similar fishing spear technology is still extant on the South Coast New South Wales. HistoryElder Jimmy Scott made the garara spear by sourcing the garara trees at Dr George Mountain a few kilometres from his home. Kurrajong wood is valued because it is very light and floats, useful when spearing fish. Although Jimmy used some modern materials in his spears, the design principles and main components are consistent with traditional ways – light shaft and three sharp prongs. There have been variations on the make of tools to catch crabs. From sticks and bamboo, to use of wire. Jimmy Scott made his crab wires from heavy gauge wire, with a loop handle at one end. Measuring 100 cm, the other end is sharpened, with a “jag” to catch the crab shell. “A good crabwire is hard to keep. People borrow it for a while. Hey brother, you seen my wire? You can follow it around the beach all day … then it’s gone" (J.Scott) SignificanceOn the South Coast of NSW, the fishing spear is a living example of intergenerational familial knowledge transmission. Aboriginal elder, Jimmy Scott passed his knowledge about fishing spear construction and use which is a clear example of this living knowledge.

Once widespread in the south-east, knowledge of similar fishing spear technology is still extant on the South Coast New South Wales, although far from universal Jimmy Scott was known locally, and particularly in his family, as a traditional fisherman.