boomerang (general & multipurpose)

The ownership of this object was transferred to the Waumungu community in September 2024.

Beaked boomerang shaped to slip round the guard of shield.

Invented between 25,000 and 50,000 years ago. Historically used for hunting, but also sport, entertainment, musical instruments and ceremonies. Beaked boomerang is shaped to go around the edge of a shield unlike the returning boomerangs. In some ceremonies, boomerangs are clapped together to produce a rhythm for people to dance to, or to make a sound for story telling.

AIATSIS advised that secular and ceremonial use. Thrown to ricochet of the ground (left and right hook) and hit together to make music.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
HC.1999.418
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 640 x 250 x 10 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood
CATEGORY
Education Handling Collection: DEACCESSIONED
LOCATION
In storage
SHAREABLE LINK

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk