Aboriginal Boomerangs have a long and interesting history. These tools were used both for hunting means, and religious purposes. They originated in Australia where exotic artwork and intensive efforts were made to ensure the boomerang was of the highest quality.
The significance these tools had for the Aboriginal people of Australia is similar to the importance masks had to the Iroquois of Canada.
Both items were used for religious purposes and as a way to show off artistic capabilities. Although similar in many respects, the items are quite different too.
Boomerang History
Historians and researchers agree that the boomerang was around long before Christ. While this may be true, it was not fully understood nor discussed in great detail until 1822.
The device was made by the Australians in an attempt to improve their hunting capabilities. Though it provided many benefits, it was only popular in isolated areas of Australia.
In fact, it was largely unknown in the Northern and Western regions of Australia. It was a prevalent tool in the Eastern portion of the country, and roughly half of the Southern area. Regardless, an approximate 60% of all Aboriginals used such devices to ease the hunting process.
Boomerang Uses
The primary use for the Australian boomerang was hunting. It could be thrown from 200 meters away, but its effectiveness was vastly improved when thrown closer to the animal.
It could immediately kill small animals or knock larger animals over, making them easy pray for the Australian aboriginals.
These hunting boomerangs were almost always made from the roots of mulga or wattle trees.
Boomerangs were also used as a complimentary ambiance with drums. This was often used when aboriginals were having elaborate ceremonies or celebrating something of great importance.
Individuals banged these tools on the ground to make a low-pitch sound, or clapped them together to make a high-pitch sound. This use was also common during religious ceremonies.
Artwork was also of vital importance for the aboriginals. They usually carved or painted important symbols on Aboriginal art boomerangs, or elements of a certain legend. Traditions were also popular to interpret on such devices. Other uses include:
- Sports
- Making Fire Sites
- Removing Ants
- Removing Lizards
- Digging
Boomerang Shape and Material
There are different types of boomerangs, each with their different purposes and materials. The prevalent material found in each is hard wood. More specifically, v-shaped hard wood.
Aboriginals traditionally used the roots of certain trees, and it could be quite difficult to find the perfect piece of wood. At times, they took larger chunks and carved the boomerangs out of that to save time scouring the land.
Once they had a piece of wood, either carved or roots, they would continue carving it into the boomerang. They carved the bottom side of it so that it was flat, while making the top side curved.
They would then sharpen both edges, making it a deadly hunting weapon. The arms had to be between 90 degrees and 160 degrees for the boomerang to work correctly.
It could take numerous attempts to shape and carve the perfect boomerang, but once an individual had, their hunting durations were significantly reduced.
The Importance of Aboriginal Boomerangs
The average individual may think Aboriginal boomerangs do not seem important, but they were one of the most cherished tools in Australian aboriginal societies. Had such tools never been developed, the aboriginal people would have had to spend large amounts of time hunting.
This would of course lead to less time for leisure activities. Even today these tools hold great significance in aboriginal culture. Many have gone on to sell these professionally around the globe, and an individual can find them readily available throughout the Internet.
Sources
The ScIslands: Aboriginal Technology
Curtis Nash - Curtis has been writing for over three years, but only professionally for one. He started with various Freelance websites and slowly ...
