Spear thrower
Production date
Pre 1940
Country
Australia
State/Province
Northern Territory
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Object detail
Description
Spear thrower - linear, notched, spatulate. wooden, converse similar.
Distal: round, pointed peg attached with gum twine to face ( tapering )
Proximal : tapering square end, notched 13 cms from end biased taper towards distal.
Decoration : Geometric patterns consisting of dots, lines, bars and lattice work in red, yellow, white and black.
Distal: round, pointed peg attached with gum twine to face ( tapering )
Proximal : tapering square end, notched 13 cms from end biased taper towards distal.
Decoration : Geometric patterns consisting of dots, lines, bars and lattice work in red, yellow, white and black.
Maker
Production date
Pre 1940
Production place
Measurements
L870mm x D11mm x W44mm
Media/Materials description
Wood
History and use
Wamara is derived from the Dharug Aboriginal language of the Sydney region.
Woomeras (commonly called spear throwers), have a handle at one end and a peg at the other, for holding the spear. Woomeras act as an extension of the throwers arm, increasing the speed and distance the spear travels. They vary in style, depending on local traditions, wood availability and the type of spear used. In arid areas woomeras were multipurpose tools, used as a shield or dish, or fitted with a specific stone tool, called an adze, which is used in wood carving and in butchering of game. Others have distinctive carved designs.
These woomera were made at Yirrkala Mission, in the Northern Territory. These objects are part of a large collection of over 460 objects acquired via purchase from Reverend Wilbur Selwyn Chaseling in 1940.
Woomeras (commonly called spear throwers), have a handle at one end and a peg at the other, for holding the spear. Woomeras act as an extension of the throwers arm, increasing the speed and distance the spear travels. They vary in style, depending on local traditions, wood availability and the type of spear used. In arid areas woomeras were multipurpose tools, used as a shield or dish, or fitted with a specific stone tool, called an adze, which is used in wood carving and in butchering of game. Others have distinctive carved designs.
These woomera were made at Yirrkala Mission, in the Northern Territory. These objects are part of a large collection of over 460 objects acquired via purchase from Reverend Wilbur Selwyn Chaseling in 1940.
Registration number
E2831
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