Kurnell, The Nuwi Canoes

This bronze sculpture is located along the shore of Botany Bay, in the southern suburb of Kurnell. 'The Nuwi Canoes' were designed by Theresa Ardler and Julie Squires. It is one of the three sculptures installed in 2020 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the encounter between Aboriginal Australians and the crew of the HMB Endeavour, commanded byJames Cook, with botanist Joseph Banks. The Gweagal Clan traditionally fished from stringy bark canoes such like these. They lit fires in their canoes on a base of white clay. The firelight attracted fish to the canoe, making them easier to catch. During their ‘first contact’ observations, both Cook and Banks recorded this practice.

Linked to: Souvenirs, Our World Tuesday, Tuesday Treasures, Travel Tuesday.