Spearthrower (Woomera)
Production date
Pre 1970
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Spearthrowers with baler shell. Baler shells were attached to one end with resin for balance and are typical of those used by many groups across northern Queensland. The small notched cylindrical wooden peg held the spear in position.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spearthrower
Production date
Pre 1970
Production place
Measurements
L800 x W75 x D15 mm
Media/Materials description
Wood
Shell
Plant fibre string
Resin
Shell
Plant fibre string
Resin
History and use
Shell-handled spearthrowers are unique to the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula regions. With a broad blade shaft and a handle featuring a pair of oval-shaped pieces of baler shell, they were commonly traded northwards from the Cape York Peninsula into the islands of the Torres Strait.
This item was most recently on display in the exhibition 'Connections across the Coral Sea: A story of movement' at Museum of Tropical Queensland (2021-2022) and Queensland Museum (2022-2023).
This item was most recently on display in the exhibition 'Connections across the Coral Sea: A story of movement' at Museum of Tropical Queensland (2021-2022) and Queensland Museum (2022-2023).
Associated person
Registration number
QE25635
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