Bow River

Statement of Significance

Essential to the heritage of the locality. Rare or outstanding example. The place should be retained and conserved unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative to doing otherwise. Any alterations or extensions should reinforce the significance of the place, and be in accordance with a Conservation Plan (if one exists for the place).

Physical Description

Bow River rises on the edge of the Frankland State Forest and flows in a southerly direction into the Irwin Inlet, which opens to Foul Bay and the Southern Ocean. It stretches for approximately 22kms and is a fresh water river.

History

As with all rivers or beelas in the southwest the Bow was created by warkle the water snake. Many people lived and camped along the darkly stained (by tannins) fresh water of the Bow River but at least twice a year it was used as an important travel route bringing people to the coast for cultural ceremonies.
The inland people of the Kaneang tribes would travel slowly down the river, camping and fishing, utilising the plentiful bush foods and collecting an array of medicinal and ceremonial products. Special plants were collected and dried. Unique wood, available only in certain places, was cut for new spears, and different types of rock and stone replaced the old worn spear tips, the daabt knives and skinning blades, some were kept for exchange. Animal not available in the people’s home country (boodja), such as dingos (yokine) and possum (koomal) supplied people with fresh meat (dartch). Skins of the koomal were stretched to use as skins for drums. The tails of yokines were used as adornments during the ceremonies.
During these journeys the beela fed and nurtured the people. With a sense of excitement they travelled down the beela, knowing that at its end, the Irwin Inlet and the saltwater people of the Wadandi Pibulmun would welcome them.
The shallow waters of the Irwin Inlet provided fresh mussels, prawns and mullet. The swans (maali), geese, and ducks were always plentiful and their eggs were a highly valued food source.
Wardan the sea spirit would welcome the inland people through the salt water Wadandi people and as the gathering grew, the ceremonies and corroborees began. The shelters (mias) were erected and the foods gathered as the fires (karlas) were lit. When everyone had arrived the dancing and singing began with each family acting out their hunting stories and performing rituals that only their initiated knew. During the ceremonies marriages took place, disputes were settled, gifts were exchanged and promises made.
The food filled their bellies, the karlas gave warmth and the stories of new adventures, mishaps and mis-adventures were danced and sung about. This would go on for days until all their business was finished. until the next time they met. New and old friends would gather their people, say their goodbyes, take with them their new knowledge and gifts, and travel back to Noongar Boodja (Home Country).

Creation Date

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Last Update

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.