Unusual notches on very old boomerang

[chiefheadknocker]

just recently acquired this old boomerang which was collected from Australia in the 1920s and was known to be an old one then , what I cant figure out is why it has notches/tally marks cut out on one side , I don't think this is a fighting boomerang , maybe they were to represent important ceremonies ?
any info would be very welcome

[Robert]

Could these possibly be tally-marks used to keep count of animals taken when using this particular piece for hunting?

Best,
Robert

[chiefheadknocker]

Originally Posted by Robert

Could these possibly be tally-marks used to keep count of animals taken when using this particular piece for hunting?

Best,
Robert

hi Robert , yes I did wonder this , but then I thought a boomerang of this age would of maybe taken more animals than this , I'm not sure ,difficult to know , I havnt seen any other boomerangs with similar marks ,
thanks for your reply

[Sajen]

Nice stone (?) carved boomerang! Sorry can't be from help by your question.

[Battara]

Could they be for aerodynamic speed and lift?

[Bob A]

Vortex generators are often used on the leading edge of aircraft wings to permit the wing to operate efficiently at low speeds. If these notches have a similar effect, it would keep the boomerang flying at lower rotational speeds, presumably.

Vortex generator:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_generator

[Roland_M]

Originally Posted by Battara

Could they be for aerodynamic speed and lift?

I dont think so, because the notches are on the trailing edge, not on the leading edge.

I simply think, the notches are either a kind of simple decoration or (better idea) made for more grip during the throw.


Roland