Groote Eylandt Indigenous Dug-Out Canoe
Vessel numberHV000160
External identification numberA12814
Vessel type
Indigenous Watercraft of Australia
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 1.71 m x 0.32 m (5.61 ft x 1.05 ft)
DescriptionThis Indigenous canoe was collected by Norman B. Tindale for the South Australian Museum during an expedition to Groote Eylandt and eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory by SAM staff and researchers in 1921. The canoe is hollowed out from single log or tree trunk, and both the inside and outside show distinct markings from the tools used to hollow the log and finish the outside.
The shape is quite interesting as it seems to closely replicate the shape and features of a bark canoe with sewn or lashed ends, such as the canoe from Bathurst Island (HV000159). It has a square bow and stern and long parallel sides. The raised stem and stern endings also pose a question, are they a reflection of details seen on craft belonging to the Macassan people or even European explorers when contact was made with these other civilizations.
This vessel is currently on display in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, South Australian Museum.
SignificanceThe GROOTE EYLANDT DUG-OUT CANOE is an Indigenous craft from the 1920s made from a single log or tree. It is a fine exmaple of a dugout canoe from northern Australia.
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