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Woomera (spear-thrower)

Date1850-1950

Object number00055504

NameSpear-thrower

Mediumwood

DimensionsOverall: 880 × 470 × 30 mm, 227 g

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionA woomera with a decorated carved shaft featuring five bands of crosshatching. There is a spur on one end on which the spear would rest and the other end is slightly pointed.HistoryThe woomera, or miru, is primarily known as a spear thrower - used for hunting or in combat. Made of a hard wood, such as Blackwood or Mulga, the woomera is designed to project a spear further than by hand use alone. The spear is placed into the small peg carved into end of the while spinifex resin covers the other end and enables the thrower more grip. Inserted into the Spinifex resin of the handle of some woomeras is very sharp piece of quartz rock used for cutting, shaping or sharpening. Varying designs and shapes of woomera throughout different communities provide for additional uses including fire starting, food preparation of ochre mixing for ceremonies. SignificanceThe woomera is a highly individual tool that varies in design and use through different communities. Being lightweight and versatile means that woomeras are easily transportable and carvings, such as cross hatching, on the shaft indicate the owners traditional country.