Coolamon is an anglicised NSW Aboriginal word used to describe an Australian Aboriginal carrying vessel. It is a multi-purpose shallow vessel, or dish with curved sides, ranging in length from 30–70 cm, and similar in shape to a canoe.

What does the Aboriginal word coolamon mean?

A coolamon is a traditional Aboriginal carrying vessel with curved sides. Their shape, like a canoe, suggests the journey of life. They are traditionally used to support many points of that journey. Coolamons involve all members of the community: traditionally, men make them and women use them.

What is coolamon being used for?

Yandi dishes (sometimes called a Coolamon) are multi-purpose shallow vessels or dishes traditionally used by Aboriginal people to carry water, fruits, nuts, and other types of bush tucker. They were also used to winnow chaff from collected seeds.