Yaama,

Recently, before lockdown, the children in each class learned about National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. We viewed some video clips from the SNAIIC website and learned about the coolamon.   

SNAICC is the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

A coolamon is a multi-purpose shallow vessel, or dish with curved sides. Coolamons were traditionally used by Aboriginal women to carry water, fruits, nuts, as well as to cradle babies as depicted in this coolamon.

Coolamons 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 was placed on the head, made out of possum and/or human hair string, twisted grass, or feathers. This helped to cushion and support the carriage of the coolamon.

They were also used in ceremonies, such as for aromatic smoking, which had purifying effects. They were rubbed regularly with fat, such as emu fat to keep the wood in good condition.

The children enjoyed colouring this image of a coolamon in class, and of course learned some more about Aboriginal culture and tradition.