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 end peg attached gum.
Proximal : tapering, squared end, notched 18 cms from the end.
Decoration : red ochre over the entire surface.
Diatal : Horizintal lines (red, white and yellow)
dashes (red and white) vertical bands (red and white)
Proximal: bands (black) horizontal lines (red and white)
vertical lines (red, white and yellow), oblique lines-dashes
and diamonds (red and white).
Maker
Production date
Pre 1940
Measurements
L977mm x D17.5mm x W63mm
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.
Registration number
E2838

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