Summary

The fire kit comprises an elongated base and eight drills. One face of the base would have a series of regular holes used for inserting the drills or short cylindrical sticks to make fire. The base is anthropomorphic in form and painted with natural pigments. It has been carved with a distinct head in which three holes are cut to form the eyes and mouth.

Local Name

bagu

Physical Description

A set of sticks comprising a flat base and eight short cylindrical sticks. The base is anthropomorphic in form with holes cut into the face for the eyes and mouth. It is painted with natural pigments and geometric abstract designs.

Significance

This fire kit with its anthromorphic form is unqiue to the rainforest region of north Qeensland. A limited number of examples from the nineteenth century have survived with four in the collections of Museum Victoria.

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