Lot 102
COOLAMON
AUSTRALIA
Auction: 26 November 2025 at 14:00 GMT
Description
carved wood and natural earth pigments, of elongated concave form, the exterior with stone cut engraving and scouring, red ochre wash, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
36.5cm long
Provenance
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, Stanmore, Australia
Francois Coppens, Belgium, acquired from the above in 2019
Footnote
The coolamon is a multipurpose wooden vessel used for carrying food, water, or babies, and for gathering plants. Each one was carved from a single piece of wood, then shaped with heat to form its gentle curve. The surface was often decorated with patterns that reflected local traditions and stories. Beyond its everyday use, the coolamon also carried symbolic meaning, representing care, nourishment, and connection to the land.