Mungo, Avoca Station, Darling River Indigenous Bark Canoe
Vessel numberHV000161
External identification numberA6443
Vessel type
Indigenous Watercraft of Australia
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 4.88 m × 1 m (16 ft × 3.28 ft)
DescriptionThis Indigenous bark canoe is a broad open canoe cut as a single sheet from a mature River Red Gum. This style was typically used on wider and faster flowing river systems such as the Murray and Darling Rivers. It was capable of transporting more than one or two people and their goods. The canoe has two branches placed across the canoe towards each end to help prevent the bark hull from collapsing inwards. The bark has been formed as a wide, almost flat section with sharply raised side panels with quite low freeboard or height. The ends are also rounded up, and the overall flat shape suggests it was best suited to calm water conditions which would be common on these river systems.
The canoe is exhibited with a plaster cast of a fireplace most likely made by museum preparators in the early 20th century for display purposes. The idea for such a fireplace may have been based on a well known watercolour by colonial artist George French Angas. The use of fireplaces aboard indigenous canoes in other areas of Australia is well is documented.
This vessel was donated to the South Australian Museum in 1904 by Mr. D.H. Cudmore and is currently on display in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.
SignificanceThe DARLING RIVER BARK CANOE from Mungo, Avoca Station in NSW is a rare Indigenous craft from the early 1900s used on inland rivers. It is an excellent example of this unique type of craft from the Murray Darling river system.
Vessel Highlights
2014
