Aboriginal Coolamon – A Collector’s Masterpiece of Culture, Utility and form
The coolamon—derived from the Wiradjuric guliman—is far more than a utilitarian vessel in Aboriginal culture; it is a living testament to Indigenous women’s ingenuity, tradition, and artistry. Shaped elegantly like a canoe with curved sides and ranging between 30–70 cm in length, these vessels served as multifunctional companions in daily life, ranging from nurturing newborns to gathering bush tucker, and even ceremonial use.
I am a keen collector of Aboriginal Coolamon and traditional Aboriginal Artefacts. If you want to sell an aboriginal coolamon please feel free to contact me by email and send me some images.
Form, Function, and Cultural Resonance
Crafted predominantly by Indigenous women—though often carved by men—the coolamon was traditionally used to carry water, fruits, seeds, tools, and babies, and to winnow grain and prepare food. In some regions, it even doubled as a protective shield against rain
Depending on the journey, the vessel might be carried under the arm or on the head. For head‑carrying, women used a ring pad—crafted from possum fur, human hair, twisted grass, or bark—to cushion and balance the coolamon.
These vessels were often treated with animal fat, such as emu grease, both to nourish the wood and create a lustrous, waterproof surface.
Coolamon carved from a piece of the outer bark of a tree trunk in the intended shape are the most common. The piece of bark then shaped into a vessel using an adze. Some were heat moulded using fire to bend the sides.
Coolamon could be carried under the arm or on the head. To carry the vessel on her head an aboriginal woman balanced it on a ring pad made from human hair, possum fur, twisted grass,or bark.
Coolamon were often rubbed with animal fat such as the fat from emus. This prevented cracking. As well as nourishing the wood this made it waterproof and gave it a shiny appearance.
Coolamon as art
The simple elegance of some coolamon take them from being an aboriginal artifact and become aboriginal art. Collectors of coolamon often prefer examples which are finely fluted and well balanced. Age rarity and patina are also found highly desirable.
Great coolamon often have understated organic elegance.
Craftsmanship & Styles Across Regions
The design and construction of coolamons are as diverse as the lands from which they originate:
- Wooden Coolamons: Most widespread, crafted from solid timber or molded bark. Some are beautifully incised with clan motifs or ochre dotting, revealing both artwork and lineage.
- Bark/Spathe Coolamons: In areas like the Kimberley and Arnhem Land, coolamons are fashioned by folding and tying palm spathe, often secured with human‑hair cord.
- Regional Variations: Different regions had different styles and these style differences can be quite subtle. Rare forms are more coveted than common forms. For instance, central desert coolamons—known as alparr—are molded from lighter woods like bean‑tree and are common compared to coolamon from South East Eustralia.
Collectible Appeal
Collectors and curators prize coolamons for several reasons:
- Rarity & Age: Antique, regionally distinct, or ceremonial coolamons are exceedingly valued especially if they are in near perfect condition
- Design Elegance: Finely fluted or balanced carvings, intricate incisions, and natural patina elevate their status.
- Aesthetic Presence: Their minimalist yet organic profiles—beautifully captured in the images above—exude timeless grace.
- Hardwood coolamons tend to command greater value than lighter softwoods.
Bark Coolamon painted by Lily Karedada
Coolamon as Canvass
Due to the shape of a coolamon, they were also used as a canvass and decorated coolamon became common artifacts produced for sale.
Made for sale coolamon are not very collectible unless they are by a particular artist.
Coolamon decorated with pokerwork are very common and not very collectible.
Aboriginal Coolamon painted by
Aboriginal Weapons and Artifacts
All images in this article are for educational purposes only.
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which was not specified by the copyright owner.
Some more examples of Aboriginal coolamon
