Beat the Boredom
Learn more about early interaction between Makassan fishermen and Indigenous communities in northern Australia during the 1700's.
Image courtesy of Museum and Art gallery of the Northern Territory, Photo: George Chaloupka
Have you heard of the Makassans from Sulawesi?
They arrived on Australian shores in the 1700’s. They often visited Kimberley Coast, Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt and other Northerly regions of Australia. They arrived on boats called perahu and looked to harvest trepang (sea cucumbers) which was valued as food and medicine.
The Yolngu people in Arnhem Land traded with the Makassans, gaining cloth, rice and knives. As the relationship continued, the Yolngu people began to speak the Makassan language, and other northern Australian Indigenous peoples used to travel with the Makassans back to Sulawesi.
Feeling inspired by the Macassan perahu? Try building your own mini boat using materials you can find at home.
Up for a challenge? Try building a boat with two sails!
Be inspired to create! Watch this instructional video on how to make your own paper boat!
