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Fishing spear

Maker Allan Murray

Date2012

Object number00026031

NameSpear

MediumTimber, vegetable material, animal bones, resin

DimensionsOverall: 2195 x 55 x 55 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis spear is a three-pronged fishing spear with white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla) shaft with silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) prongs with kangaroo bone barbs and echidna quill tips attached by kangaroo tail sinew and covered with grass tree (Xanthoria Australis) to protect the binding. This type of spear was used for catching fish as the prongs would penetrate the flesh of the fish thus allowing the hunter to easily remove the fish from the waterHistoryDuring 2009 local indigenous Elders in north-east Victoria identified the need to pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation. The North East Catchment Management Authority through the Caring for Our Country Program initiated the Traditional Knowledge Project which involved, among many activities, stone tool workshops. As part of this program they have also explored associated resources, such as resin from grass trees and fibre from reeds and rushes. In total there were six workshops bringing together Elders from different nations to participate and share their unique traditional knowledge of stone tool making. Through the stone tool workshops the Elders and local community have produced unique stone tool artefacts that are exhibited in the Albury Regional Museum. (Author Richard Kennedy) SignificanceThe making of this versatile tool is making a revival in north-eastern Victoria as part of a project to pass on traditional knowledge in Indigenous communities.