Coolamon (vessel)

Coolamon is an anglicised version of the Wiradjuric word guliman[1] used to describe an Australian Aboriginal carrying vessel.

It is a multi-purpose shallow vessel, or dish with curved sides, ranging in length from 30 to 70 cm, and similar in shape to a canoe.

[1] This helped to cushion and support the carriage of the coolamon; the same purpose as those used by women in traditional cultures around the world to carry vessels on their heads.

The Pintupi of the Western Desert would attach a double strand of plaited rope (ngalyibi) made of hair or plant fibre to sling the coolamon over their shoulders.

It needed to stand for a number of days, with a stick of wood holding it open to prevent it losing its shape.

The coolamon in this picture is at top left. It is lined with paperbark , often done when used as a cradle for newborns.
Women using coolamons
A scarred tree , probably used to make a coolamon (Parramatta, NSW).