Context (CMS Context)
Found unidentified in stores, but probably boxed as Oceania X-Files ?1980s. A similar shaped water carrier is held by the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and described as made of the leaf of the bangalow palm. Clarke notes that baskets from the basal sheaths of bangalow palms were used to carry water and honey, (P. Clarke, 2012, Australian plants as Aboriginal Tools)
Event Date 15/12/2015
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Oval shaped water carrier, made from red Bangalow palm sheaths, giving a mahogany colour to the carrier's external wall. Flat bottom with attached parallel handle, made from cane or palm mid rib. Condition: Fair- Handle of basket has broken off both ends with one end re-inserted at the top of the carrier. There is a large horizontal split in the leaf, measuring 21cm, along on side of the carrier. Another split from the top of the side measures 1.5cm.
Event Date 15/12/2015
Author: maa

Context (Amendments / updates)
Upon repacking this object Alison Clark noted that the object incurred some damage. The part of the handle that was detached on one side has now completely broken off and become separate from the object. It has been labelled with the Accession number and is stored with the object. Conservation staff have been notified and a physical description has been added to note this change.
Event Date 19/4/2018
Author: Remke Velden

Description (Physical description)
The part of the handle that was detached on one side has now completely broken off and become separate from the object.
Event Date 19/4/2018
Author: Remke Velden

Context (Other)
In a visit from Indigenous Australian Gamilaroi woman Amy Hammond she noted that this style of basket is found throughout Australia and that it's similarity to a basket from the cultural group listed in the record here, doesn't necessarily mean that it is from there.
Event Date 19/4/2018
Author: alison clark