Bark canoe
Maker
Jemima Miller
(1940)
Maker
Don Miller
(1937-1989)
Maker
David Isaacs
(1965)
Maker
Arthur King
(-1995)
Date1988
Object number00004853
NameCanoe
MediumMessmate tree bark
DimensionsOverall: 762 x 3960 x 610 mm, 28.9 kg
Display Dimensions: 3810 x 585 x 650 mm
Display Dimensions: 3810 x 585 x 650 mm
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionBark canoe by Don Miller, Jemina Miller, David Isaacs and Arthur King in the Northern Territory community of Borroloola. Constructed by hand from the bark of a Messmate tree, a species of Eucalyptus (tetradonta).
HistoryThe Yanyuwa people live in the coastal region inclusive of and opposite to the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria but it is estimated that they have not used bark canoes since the 1920s. In the Yanyuwa language, the general term for a bark canoe is na-wulka with the two different types being na-riyarrku (sea going bark canoe) or na-rnajin (river and lagoon going bark canoe).
Because na-wulkas have not been constructed for many decades, Don Miller, Jemina Miller, David Isaacs and Arthur King used their memories of older Yanyuwa people talking about bark canoe's construction and use at length. It was these stories and verbal assistance from the old people at Borrolooa that enabled them to make this particular canoe.
SignificanceDesigned and built by local communitiy with tools they made themselves, using the materials of their region and having a shape that responds to the craft's use and to the capabilities of the materials. They are unique to this country.
