Spearthrower
Production date
Pre 1965
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Spearthrower made from hardwood with natural fibre, shell, resin and abrus seeds. A "lath-like" type with peg in same plane as surface. Dark reddish coloured blade, thin long and of medium to broad width. Red and black Abrus precatorius seeds embedded in beeswax on the inside of the shell halves (top section). Polished finish to blade. Resin is shiny black - applied carefully to distinct areas on blade at peg and handle.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spearthrower
Production date
Pre 1965
Production place
Measurements
Dimensions: L902 x W76 mm
Weight: 445g
Weight: 445g
Media/Materials description
Wood
Shell
Resin
Wax
Fibre
Seeds
Shell
Resin
Wax
Fibre
Seeds
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
QE25034.2
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