AUS Aboriginal club

[Amuk Murugul]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Got some information on this piece.
I am told that there is an old faded catalgue label on it. Originally collected by a German in the late 19th century and held in Germany. Then bought by an Aus collector and then in the hands of the seller. According to the seller it is most probably Wirragerri collected along the Murry River near the border with the state of Victoria.

It appears there are many ways of spelling "Wirragerri"

Hullo everybody!
Tim:
Indeed, while Wiradjuri country lies mainly to the North of the river Murray, a small portion does take in a stretch of it.

The wooden implement shown doesn't appear to me to be a digging stick.
It is more probably a BOONDI, a weapon which can be used either as a club or a throwing stick. As it is usually very well-balanced, it can be used with deadly accuracy. Men would own several Boondi. As the bulb on this one appears to be on the small side, perhaps it is geared to be used for more throwing.
Hope I have been of some help.

Best,

[Tim Simmons]

Thanks for that helpful information. Researching the Wiradjurri Wars has really sparked my imagination and I am keen to get my hands on it. Just think perhaps it could come from that period? The Murry River marks the southern border of the Wiradjurri poeples land.

[Tim Simmons]

Here and I like it. I can understand if you have not been hit by clubs yet, how odd it must seem to get excited about a piece of wood with swollen ends. When these things are in your hand all the secrets are revealed, there is thought, subtlies and a beauty to the simple forms. They are fighting weapons. Death delt by a blade or a lump of wood is still death. Both require a warriors skill and fortitude.