Appendix 1 - Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

MNAC Report on the ECC Box-Ironbark Forests & Woodlands Investigation Draft Report
Impl I lementts, , di ishes, , canoes and ottherr soci ial l uses
All parts of box-ironbark trees were utilised in various ways. There are hundreds of scar trees located in
the study area varying in size. Most of these trees are found near the streams, rivers and lakes. The
box-ironbark wood is especially good for the manufacturing of canoes because of its durability and
strength. Box-Ironbark wood was and is commonly used for making shields. Shields represent the
strong ongoing relationship and connection with the land and environment. Shields are incised with
bands of chevron and herringbone patterns. Most shields were used in combat. Broad and thin shields
were used to carry spears and narrow shields were used to deflect bows and clubs. The colours,
carvings and lines on a shield tells the Aboriginal people who they are and most importantly where they
come from. The bark of ironbark trees was also often used for bark huts. The bark was also used for
drawings illustrating events and stories and tribal markings.
Saplings of ironbark are used for making spears and limbs are used for making returning boomerangs.
The boomerangs are used for recreational purposes and sometimes for killing birds and small animals.
nulla nullas (clubs) are made from Box-Ironbark wood due to the woods density and strength. Nulla
nullas are used to club animals and are varied in size and patterns. Some may have a pointed bulbous
head, cylindrical shaft and a pointed handle. Many of the heads of nulla nullas are decorated with
incised zig-zag patterns or a series of dashes. These patterns represent the people and where they are
from.
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