Item X 931 Du-bal or Tokobil | Container. Specific locality unrecorded, North Queensland, Queensland, Australia. pre 1880

Summary

This container is of a type typically made by Aboriginal people around Australia's coastline in that it comprises a single sheet of folded and stitched bark. Some containers were made quickly on the spot for one use and discarded afterwards, while others like this one are more robust and kept and reused over time, in this case evidenced by the split on the back that has been repaired. Like baskets made from fibres, this one would be worn suspended from the back of the head resting against the person's back.

Local Name

Du-bal or Tokobil

Physical Description

A single sheet of bark folded over and stitched down two sides and sealed with resin. It has a multiple lengths of cane attached at the rim to form a handle. A repair has been made on rear surface using resin.