Spear thrower
Production date
Pre 1940
Country
Australia
State/Province
Northern Territory
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Object detail
Description
Spearthrower - linear notched spatulate Wooden, convex similar.
Distal : tapering, round pointed wooden peg attached with gum.
Proximal : tapering, squared end, notched 20 cms from end.
Red ochre over entire surface.
Distal : bands ( black and red ) dots ( white ), horizontal lines ( white )
Proximal : Bands ( red and black ), horiziontal lines ( white and black ),
dots ( red ) and dashes (white )
Distal : tapering, round pointed wooden peg attached with gum.
Proximal : tapering, squared end, notched 20 cms from end.
Red ochre over entire surface.
Distal : bands ( black and red ) dots ( white ), horizontal lines ( white )
Proximal : Bands ( red and black ), horiziontal lines ( white and black ),
dots ( red ) and dashes (white )
Maker
Production date
Pre 1940
Production place
Measurements
L946mm x D12mm x W56mm
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. Chaseling was the first Reverend at the Yirrkala Mission, which was established in 1935. Yirrkala Mission was the last mission to be established in eastern Arnhem Land.
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. Chaseling was the first Reverend at the Yirrkala Mission, which was established in 1935. Yirrkala Mission was the last mission to be established in eastern Arnhem Land.
Registration number
E2832
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