Bark canoe and mangrove raft

The Saltwater people of the Kimberly made this canoe, from locally sourced bark. It was suited to the calmer waters of the north Kimberley inlets and bays, whereas the more stable raft was adapted to navigate the treacherous tidal currents of King Sound. This canoe was rescued from a beach near Kalumburu Mission and donated to Wharfinger House Museum – the closest museum at that time. This is a galwa or biyalbiyal raft made by the tide-riders of King Sound – the Jawi and Bardi people. Many came to live in Karmulinunga Community – a town reserve on the edge of the marsh, but they never forgot the blue waters of their home country.