Shell associated with the Borroloola bark canoe
Datec 1988
Object number00006786
NameShell
MediumShell
DimensionsOverall: 74 x 180 x 100 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA shell associated with the Borroloola bark canoe. The surface of the shell has abstract rust coloured patterns alternating with patches of white.HistoryThe Yanyuwa people, now living in Borroloola ,were formerly from the Sir Edward Pelew Group of Islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Construction of this canoe, the first since the 1920's, was directed by the old people who described the details and drew illustrations in the ground.
The bark came from a place called Likajarrayinda. By tradition,the canoe is therefore called na-Likajarrayindamara.
This canoe was built in 1988 by Don Miller, Jemina Miller, David Isaacs and Arthur King. The bark is from the Messmate tree (Eucalyptus tetradonta) and the braces are from handmade bark rope.SignificanceThe Borroloola bark canoe is, apart from the paperbark raft (na-wukungka), the tradtional indigenous watercraft of the Yanyuwa people .
