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Nulla nulla (club)

Date1850-1950

Object number00055505

NameClub

Mediumwood

DimensionsOverall: 715 m, 55 mm, 394 g

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionA nulla nulla with a rounded diamond shaped head and a shaft ending in a point. The shaft has three sections on which it has been decorated with triangular and semi-circular crosshatched carvings. A nulla nulla is used in close quarter combat, hunting and conflict resolution and is a Dharuk term from the Sydney region. HistoryThe nulla nulla has four general head shapes - round head, knob head, beak head and flat head. Made generally of hard wood, they are strong enough to use in hunting, combat or for digging, but light enough to carry. Another name for the nulla in the Sydney region is waddy and they are able to be used by both men and women.SignificanceTraditional equipment for hunting, fishing and warfare were also highly versatile tools in the gathering and processing of food. Able to be carried long distances, these implements were an important part of a practical and ceremonial life.