Australian Aboriginal Woomera
Some tools and weapons are so intimately associated with their user that they take on an almost human quality.
The Australian Aboriginal woomera, or spear thrower, has been used for thousands of years as a multi-purpose instrument.
An indispensable part of the Aboriginal kit, it was carried wherever the hunter trekked. The butt of a spear was placed in the peg portion, and as the hunter flexed his arm, the spear was catapulted at velocities and distances far greater than possible without it.
This example is rare in its unusual age, evidenced by its dark, glossy patina, condition, and decidedly zoomorphic appearance.
South West Australia.
19th century.
Ex. Alexander Maw, UK.
Height 29 in. // 74.3 cm
$1,000
Some tools and weapons are so intimately associated with their user that they take on an almost human quality.
The Australian Aboriginal woomera, or spear thrower, has been used for thousands of years as a multi-purpose instrument.
An indispensable part of the Aboriginal kit, it was carried wherever the hunter trekked. The butt of a spear was placed in the peg portion, and as the hunter flexed his arm, the spear was catapulted at velocities and distances far greater than possible without it.
This example is rare in its unusual age, evidenced by its dark, glossy patina, condition, and decidedly zoomorphic appearance.
South West Australia.
19th century.
Ex. Alexander Maw, UK.
Height 29 in. // 74.3 cm
$1,000
Some tools and weapons are so intimately associated with their user that they take on an almost human quality.
The Australian Aboriginal woomera, or spear thrower, has been used for thousands of years as a multi-purpose instrument.
An indispensable part of the Aboriginal kit, it was carried wherever the hunter trekked. The butt of a spear was placed in the peg portion, and as the hunter flexed his arm, the spear was catapulted at velocities and distances far greater than possible without it.
This example is rare in its unusual age, evidenced by its dark, glossy patina, condition, and decidedly zoomorphic appearance.
South West Australia.
19th century.
Ex. Alexander Maw, UK.
Height 29 in. // 74.3 cm
$1,000