Spear thrower
Production date
Pre 1940
Country
Australia
State/Province
Northern Territory
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Object detail
Description
Spear thrower- ochred, linear, notched, spatulate. Wooden, convex similar.
Distal: tapering, rounded pointed peg attached with gum and twine, with notch 20 cms down shaft.
Proximal: tapering, squared end, notched 16 cms from end. Biased taper towards distal.
Decoration: Blackening over entire surface with bands (yellow and white) horizantal lines (red and white) vertical lines (red white and black) and diamonds (red).
Distal: tapering, rounded pointed peg attached with gum and twine, with notch 20 cms down shaft.
Proximal: tapering, squared end, notched 16 cms from end. Biased taper towards distal.
Decoration: Blackening over entire surface with bands (yellow and white) horizantal lines (red and white) vertical lines (red white and black) and diamonds (red).
Maker
Production date
Pre 1940
Production place
Measurements
L869mm x D10mm x W48mm
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.
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.
Registration number
E2835
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