Australian Decorated Leangle Club
 

just ended the adoption process on this one via ebay ;) coming to live with me soon. Measures approx 48 cm long x 20 cm wide, Total unpacked weight 430 grams. listed as possibly early 20th c.

looks similar to others i saw googling, but decorated. would appreciate any comments on it. thanks.

I WATCHED THIS BUT DID NOT BID. I THINK THE SELLERS INFORMATION IS ACCURATE AND IT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF CLUBS FROM THE PERIOD. OFTEN MORE NON TRADITIONAL DECORATION WAS ADDED DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE VARIOUS MISSONARY MISSIONS SET UP TO CONVERT AND SAVE THE ABORIGINALS DURING THE TIME. IT LOOKS TO HAVE A FAIR PATINA AND NATURAL PLANT STAINS, AND IS PLEASING TO LOOK AT AND WAVE AROUND :D

club was teleported to me via post office & arrived a few minutes ago.. postie was careful to ensure it did not arrive before the seller mailed it. :)

essentially as above, so nothing much new to add from here. except it IS fun to wave about & the grip & blade x-section is quite oval, tip has a fair edge tho worn a bit...no shrinkage cracks, tg.

I think this is a Watilikiri or beaked boomerang.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F...ikiri-Club.jpg

Only in german Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watilikiri

See also the scan.

Kind regards, Roland

Wayne:

I think Roland is correct. This is a heavy throwing stick designed to bring down large game or people. They are sometimes called "non-returning boomerangs," to distinguish them from the more common returning variety. The Australian indigenous people throw these horizontally and a blow from one of these heavy ones can bring down a kangaroo (or man) quite easily. Although spears were preferred for warfare, they did use these heavy throwing sticks in conflicts with each other, and they did use clubs which tended to be a straight piece of hardwood and many had sharp stones imbedded in them.

Ian

thanks, i suspected it would make a good thrower when i was waving it about. :)

i've been looking for a good non-returning boomerrang. would make a fair club too. :D