This is a multi-purpose wooden bowl with curved sides of size appox 30-70cm in length. Used by women all around Australia. The Coolomon along with the digging stick is a widely used symbol for Aboriginal women.
Aboriginal women use the Coolomon to carry water, collect fruit, nuts and other foods as well as for preparing food. It is also used to mix ochre paint for Ceremony as well as for Smoking Ceremonies.
Babies would also be wrapped in possum or kangaroo skin and placed in the Coolomon to sleep with the wood being a great insulator from extreme ground temperatures. In certain areas, a small hole would be made in the side of the Coolomon and a gum nut attached with some string. And as the Coolomon rocked, the tapping sound of the gumnut would mimic the sound of the Mothers heartbeat, thereby providing comfort to the baby resting in the Coolomon. When the baby was placed into the Coolomon it’s was snug and protected with the shape being used to rock the babies back top sleep.
