South side.
The large scar on the south side is approximately 3 meters (10 feet) long and the bark would probably have been used for a canoe or as a large sheet for shelter. The size and shape however would indicate a canoe. 400 meters away is another 'canoe tree' of approximately the same dimensions. The scar appears to be considerably old but despite the tree's attempt at 'healing' itself with a new covering of bark, all the distinct signs of deliberate removal of the bark to form it into a distinct shape are evident. As the age of the tree pre-dates European settlement of the area it is a fair assumption that the scars are aboriginal in origin.
Aboriginal bark canoe (1938) made out of a sheet of bark folded and tied at the ends with plant-fibre string. The bow is folded to a point and the stern has a squared end. It measures 3m (9 feet) X 45 cm (18 inches).
North side.
On the northern side of the tree about 4 meters up on a stout limb is another 1 meter (3 feet) scar. The scar made at this height was possible because other branches have provided a 'perch' for the stone-axe operator. The exposed heartwood of the tree now supports a large colony of native bees. The smaller sized scar is indicative of an Aboriginal 'coolamon'. (coolamons were traditionally used by Aboriginal women to carry water, fruits, seeds, nuts and to cradle babies. (Wikipedia here) or a shield perhaps.
I have a page on Aboriginal scarred trees in the ACT (here)
This collage of photos is an attempt to
show a close-up of the whole canoe scar.
show a close-up of the whole canoe scar.
View Larger Map
Great post Dave, love it. I saw the preparation of making canoes for the movie, "Ten Canoes". Very interesting stuff.
ReplyDeleteRegards.
This is slightly off post Dave, but I could not find a place to post on your "scarred tree" page and I am interested in this stuff.
ReplyDeleteIn several old images of Australian Aboriginals, I have seen them wearing breechclouts, as one obviously does on the scarred tree page having just cut out some bark.
So I have to ask this question, which I have asked myself many times. I do not wish in any way to offend anyone, but why do Aboriginals now wear those cloth wrap nappy things?
To me it just seems not right for a warrior/hunter race to wear these things, when a breechclout looks so much more dignified and just right somehow.
With respect and regards.
Sorry for the delay in reply Le Loup.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know why some aboriginals wore the 'nappy' like attire (red from memory)and I agree with you about the breechclouts. I see similarities in dress between the Indian dress and the aboriginal dress from around this area.
They wore more substantial clothing such as Possum fur cloaks and coverings more suited to the climate. I am sure they didn't wear the nappy. Shortly after settlement I think the move to European dress around here was pretty swift.
Yours & etc. Dave