Scarred trees are trees which have had bark removed by indigenous Australians for the creation of canoes and shelters and containers, such as coolamons.
They are among the easiest to find archaeological sites in Australia.
Bark was removed by making deep cuts in a tree with a stone axe. The area of bark removed is typically regular in shape, often with parallel sides and slightly pointed or rounded ends and the scar usually stops above ground level. Australian native Eucalypt species such as box and red gum were commonly used, and the scars remain in trees that are often over 200 years old.
Scarred trees are significant evidence of Aboriginal occupation and scarred trees can provide information on Aboriginal activities in the area that they are located.
Carved trees have been scarred by Aboriginal people for various purposes from cutting bark for a canoe to spirtitual purposes. Very few scarred trees remain today, fewer than 100 trees remain standing in their original location.
Scarred trees are found wherever there are mature native trees. They often occur along major rivers, around lakes and on flood plains, but also at significant sacred sites.
Please note.The cache is NOT on the scarred tree. Respect this site.