Scarred tree

Bark was removed by making deep cuts in a tree with a stone pickaxe or other similar tool.

The area of bark removed is typically regular in shape, often with parallel sides and slightly pointed or rounded ends, and the scar usually stops above ground level.

[1] Aboriginal people removed bark from trees to make things like canoes, containers and shields, as well as to build temporary shelters.

Sometimes they cut toe holds for ease of climbing, with the trees used as lookouts or to hunt for bush foods.

[1] Wrapping meat or seafood in layers of moistened paperbark (melaleuca) and nestling it into the hot coals is one of traditional aboriginal way of cooking.

Sometimes, if the scar is very old, it will be completely covered by regrowth Aboriginal people made several kinds of bark canoes.

They were softened over fire, tied at both ends to make a canoe shape and used sticks or spars to keep it open.

The resin from Xanthorrhoea (grass tree) was used to waterproof the base and were also used to repair any leaks or small holes.

A small fire was kept alight in the bark canoe on a bed of wet clay or seaweed.

Most remarkable example of carved trees are found in New South Wales, and are the work specifically of Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri peoples.

[12] Many carved trees were destroyed by land clearing, bush fires, farming and natural decay.

[9] In inland northern New South Wales and over the border into Queensland, around 1000 culturally modified trees have been recorded.