Historical information

A woomera is a wooden Australian Aboriginal spear-throwing device . It is an extension of the human arm that enables a spear to travel at a greater speed and force than possible with the unaided arm.

Significance

The necessary tools and equipment for hunting, fishing and warfare were one of the very few items that Aboriginals carried with them from place to place. Most were used for a multiplicity of purposes. Because many were made from raw natural materials, such as wood, generally only partial remains are found today. This woomera is an example of an implement used by early Indigenous people.

Physical description

A flat hand-made dish like wooden spear thrower with curved edges. It has a small spike tied at one end and hardened black gum at the other.