Coolamons and Wooden Artefacts |
Wood carving has always been an integral part of Aboriginal culture. Of necessity, with the most rudimentary tools, the people carved wood for many purposes - implements with which to hunt and gather food, to build their shelters, boats for fishing and travelling, for protection of their lives and territory, for ceremony and dance and to mark sacred sites such as the burial poles in the Tiwi Islands. For information about the tools used see our page Implements, stone axes, spearheads (jimbala). (coming soon) Aboriginal artefacts have now become a highly prized commodity attracting interest from all over the world, some pieces achieving amazingly high prices on the secondary market. The carvers and artefact makers have passed their knowledge to successive generations, who are continuing the make these collectable items with the same clever craftsmanship as their Traditional Elders.  Coolamons are normally oval in shape, and were predominantly used by women for bush tucker gathering. The native fruits, such as the wild passionfruit, plums, figs, tomatoes, raisins as painted by Reggie Sultan are in the main small and the women spent many hours walking to find enough to satisfy their tribe. Bush bananas are much larger fruit, growing on a parasitic vine attached to a larger tree, and were obviously a much sought after food source, depictions of which were made famous by the late Eunice Napangardi. A large format work by Eunice of Bush Banana Dreaming was commissioned by the Alice Springs Airport for the Opening in 1991 and hangs in good company with a work by her associate, the late Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Soft wood is favoured for making of Coolamons, such as the Gyrocarpus Jacquini (Helicopter Tree) in the Kimberley region. Iwantja Arts and Crafts produce bowls decorated with beautiful designs of birds and animals or traditional patterns by burning the wood with wire heated on the camp fire, and the women of Warlukurlangu Art Centre at Yuendumu paint their paraja (coolamons) with bright and intricate designs.  Digging Sticks of various lengths and shapes (pointed or blunt ended) were used by the women to collect honey ants, witchetty grubs and the all important yam (sweet potato) which was a staple part of their diet. All these food sources are reflected in the paintings and Dreamings of our Aboriginal artists.  Hunting implements include the boomerang, woomera and spear. Whilst both boomerangs and spears were used in other countries, the woomera is distinctively Australian and is actually a lever to increase the speed at which a spear travels and the distance achieved. Made of wood, Spinifex resin with a hook end of animal bone, it acts as an extension of the throwers arm. The woomera is one of the most sought after of the Aboriginal Artefacts by serious collectors. Wooden Shields were used as a defence against boomerangs used as weapons.  To complement the necessities of life the Aboriginal people have always carved wooden artefacts both for Ceremony and decoration. Clapsticks (singing sticks) were used as percussion instruments along with the didgeridoo. Clapsticks are presented in a variety of sizes and styles, painted or plain as well as burnt incised. Punu or wood carvings are still made by Iwantja Arts and are decorative, interesting and Traditional.  View Aboriginal Coolamons and Wooden Artefacts available to purchase in our Online Gallery |
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Customer Testimonials
- Customer Testimonials
I wanted to send on an enormous thank you to your family and its business.
I picked up the painting today from the framers, it is absolutely mesmerising.
Thanks for making the purchase of this beautiful artwork possible.
All the best to you, I hope your business prospers and thrives.
Should we consider another purchase in the coming years we will look you up,
and you will be highly recommended to anyone else we know who is interested in Aboriginal art.
Nyree, VIC
I received Deanne Peters's work today in the post.
This is the first ever piece of art that I have bought let alone through the Internet.
I love it. I appreciated the opportunity to buy a piece that I work afford within my
budget and I think it is a great idea to produce smaller pieces.
Now I just have to start saving for another.
Amanda, Ireland
Thanks so much. Ms Peter's work is absolutely beautiful.
I must stop looking at the website.
I'll run out of wall space!
Louise, ACT
Thanks so much for your e-mail, I am really looking forward to receiving my
paintings, and will let you know when they arrive.
Thanks so much for the kind friendly manner in which you have been with me,
I appreciate that.
Karen, UK
Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to receive Helen’s Water Dreaming.
I like the drawing and the colours a lot. Christopher Churchill’s Desert Nights is my favourite picture.
Often I pass by, have a look at it and smile. It is a very special picture for me.
Ursula, Switzerland
Just wanted to let you know I received my lovely painting.
Please pass on my thanks to Jeannie.
It's absolutely beautiful!
Lindy, VIC
Paintings arrived on Wednesday and they are great!
Thanks for your help.
Nathan, Canada
The two Alan Griffiths paintings arrived safely today.
So well packed. Thank you for dispatching them so punctually.
We are thrilled with them and currently debating wall alternatives.
Axel, NSW
My picture arrived this morning!!
It is quite wonderful.
Thank you so much for sending it.
Missing your red earth and sun.
Jill, UK
This is to let you know that the two
paintings by Churchill Cann and
Charlene Carrington arrived home safely
and in good condition.
They look beautiful on our walls.
Should you happen to see Churchill and
Charlene we would be very grateful if
you would thank them and let them know
how much we admire and respect their work.
Bill and Margo, ACT
The artworks have arrived.
All pieces are just beautiful.
Thank you very much.
Meg, UK
We recently purchased “Wild
Passionfruit and Tomato” by Margaret
Davis Kemarre during our visit to
your gallery in Kununurra. It was
delivered to our home in Sydney
last week. We just wanted to let you
know it had arrived safely and that
we are very happy with our purchase.
Thank you for your assistance.
Philip and Elizabeth, NSW
Just wanted to let you know that I've
received my art piece.I'm thrilled.
I appreciate the photo of Cindy & bio.
It makes it much more personal....
It's like I've met Cindy.
Give her my thanks and her willingness
to share her talent and vision.
Walt, USA
I've been meaning to send you a note to say thank you and we're very happy.
The painting arrived quickly and it's up on the wall and looks great.
Cathy, NSW
Just to let you know the artwork was well received today,
and I am very pleased with it.
Thanks again for your excellent service.
Lene, Denmark
The most beautiful Kudditji painting has arrived this morning, it is so magnificent.
It took my breath away!! Thank you very much.
Karen, NSW
I received my beautiful Bush Leaves canvas by Jeannie Petyarre last week.
I bought it on a very rushed visit to Kununurra enroute from Warmun to Darwin.
The minute I saw it I knew it was what I had been looking for.
It is at the framers now for stretching onto a frame. I can not wait to hang it in my home.
Thank you so much for getting it to me in such good condition.
I'm so glad I popped into your gallery for what I said would be a "quick walk through.
Luckily my friend in Warmun had said "make sure you go to Artlandish".
Having had the opportunity to spend time in an indigenous community
I feel blessed to have such a beautiful artwork.
Please place me on your mailing list.
Best wishes
Sue
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