Buka cloak facts for kids
A Buka (also called Boka or Booka) is a traditional cloak. It was worn by the Noongar people. The Noongar are Indigenous people who live in the southwest part of Australia.
What is a Buka?
The Buka is a special type of cloak. Unlike some other Indigenous groups in Australia, the Noongar people usually made their buka cloaks from kangaroo pelts. A buka was often made from the whole skins of two or three kangaroos. These skins were carefully sewn together. The kangaroo's tail would often hang down at the bottom of the cloak.
How Were Bukas Made?
The Noongar people used natural materials to sew the kangaroo skins together. They often used strong kangaroo sinew. Sinew is a tough, cord-like tissue found in animals. Sometimes, they also used rushes, which are plant stems.
How Were Bukas Worn and Used?
People wore the buka over one shoulder and under the other. It was fastened at the neck. A small piece of bone or wood was used to hold it in place. Wearing the cloak this way allowed both arms to move freely. This made it easy to do daily activities.
Bukas were also reversible. This means they could be worn with either side facing out. When it was very cold, the fur side was worn on the inside to keep warm. If it was raining, the cloak could be turned the other way. This helped to keep the wearer dry. The cloaks were also used as soft rugs to sleep on at night.
Bukas Today
Today, many Aboriginal people still have new cloaks and rugs made from kangaroo skins. They are used for special performances. They are also worn for warmth, just like in the past.
For example, Ken Wyatt wore a traditional buka. He is Australia's first Indigenous cabinet minister. He wore his buka when he gave his first speech to parliament in 2010. This showed the importance of his culture.
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