Kuueeyung

For the Worrimai and Awarbukarl people, the Punnah, Stringybark tree, is used  to construct kuueeyung. The bark is softened with fire to fold both ends that are tied with string, also made from bark. The rough outside bark of the tree is the exterior of the Kuueeyung, but it is carefully removed until smooth. 

The inner smooth bark of the canoe interior is passed over the fire to crystalise the sap and create a watertight seal.

While bark canoes were used by people in river systems, lakes and estuaries throughout Australia before British colonisation, no canoes from that period survive.

Construction of a Kuueeyung, traditional bark canoe, utilising all natural products sourced from Worrimai country. Made at Mulubinba, Newcastle, on site at Newcastle Museum 2018 by Wylaa Buuranliyn (Luke Russell, Scott Luschwits, Shaun Stowe, Shannon Thrift)

Venue

Newcastle Museum
6 Workshop Way
Newcastle
2300