Bangalow Palm Leaf Basket

Made by Aunty Marie Tarplee

Gumbaynggirr men typically hunted and fished for large animals; while women hunted smaller animals, fished and collected shellfish, and gathered roots, seeds, plants and berries. These lightweight baskets could be floated on the water as women gathered food. Women were also responsible for food preparation, using techniques such as peeling, pounding, soaking and roasting.

Bush foods should not be eaten straight from the plant as many roots, leaves, fruits and seeds contain toxins and cannot be eaten safely without the correct preparation.

Many plant foods contain complex carbohydrates that can be turned into easily digestible, simpler sugars by cooking. Seeds and roots are generally ground on a flat stone with a small amount of water to make a paste which are made into damper, while roots that are tough are first pounded with a heavy stick or stone before roasting.

Traditional water carrying basket made from Bangalow Palm fronds and sewn with settlers flax. Made locally from local materials.