Double Bardi raft
Date1986
Object number00001700
NameRaft
MediumMangrove wood
DimensionsOverall: 260 x 4200 x 1070 mm, 77 kg
Vessel Dimensions: 4.07 m × 1.07 m (13.35 ft × 3.51 ft)
Vessel Dimensions: 4.07 m × 1.07 m (13.35 ft × 3.51 ft)
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Kalwa - or double Bardi raft - was made by "Old Man" (Bahgai) at One Arm Point, Western Australia in 1986. Mangrove wood trunks are used to fashion two sections, one section laid over the other and held together with hardwood pegs. The raft was propelled by a single bladed paddle and some larger rafts could support four people, all seated. It was also possible to pole the craft from a standing position in shallow waters.
The main use of this type of raft was for hunting, fishing, egg collecting and travel between the mainland and the islands within the archipelagos of the region. Voyages tended to be over short distances, but rarer longer trips have been recorded.
HistoryThree language groups in the north-west of Western Australia, the Bardi, Djawi and Worora have a tradition of making double rafts. The Bardi call this type of raft Kalwa, the Djawi, Biel Biel and the Worora know it as Kawlum. The tradition of raft building is continued today by the Bardi and this raft, a Kalwa was made by "Old Man" (1930 – 2015) of One Arm Point in 1986.
Mangrove wood trunks are used to fashion two sections, one section laid over the other and held together with hardwood pegs. The raft was propelled by a single bladed paddle and some larger rafts could support four people, all seated. It was also possible to pole the craft from a standing position in shallow waters.
The main use of this type of raft was for hunting, fishing, egg collecting and travel between the mainland and the islands within the archipelagos of the region. Voyages tended to be over short distances, but rarer longer trips have been recorded.
"Old Man" was a senior Bardi man who was the custodian of many traditional stories and songs of his people.
