Minneapolis Institute of Art

Spear Thrower (woomera)

Australian Aboriginal artist

Date

19th-20th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Aborigine

Department

Arts of Oceania

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Carried by Aboriginal hunters and sometimes used in battle, a woomera , or spear thrower, was used to effectively lengthen the arm and in turn increase the velocity and range of the spear. It has a narrow tip that is embedded in the hollow end of the weapon, while the opposite end works as a counterweight. These two spear throwers are decorated with carved abstract patterns that traditionally represent the creator ancestors and their activities. Illustrating common motifs found in Western Australia, one woomera is engraved with a diamond and zigzag design, while the other has three registers filled with herringbone patterns. These spear throwers are excellent examples of complex Aboriginal decorative carving and demonstrate the care and attention that was paid to even the most utilitarian of objects. Aborigine, Oceania

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