Spear Thrower (woomera) 19th-20th century

wood

natural shape and form

sculpture

sculptural image

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

underpainting

painting painterly

wood

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

This 19th-20th century "Spear Thrower (woomera)" from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a carved wooden tool used by Aboriginal Australians to propel spears with greater force and accuracy. The intricately carved geometric patterns on the surface are not only decorative but also represent the complex cultural traditions of the Aboriginal people. The woomera, a testament to indigenous ingenuity, embodies a rich history of hunting and survival practices in Australia.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Carried by Aboriginal hunters and sometimes used in battle, a woomera, or spear thrower, was used to effectively lengthen the arm and in turn increase the velocity and range of the spear. It has a narrow tip that is embedded in the hollow end of the weapon, while the opposite end works as a counterweight. These two spear throwers are decorated with carved abstract patterns that traditionally represent the creator ancestors and their activities. Illustrating common motifs found in Western Australia, one woomera is engraved with a diamond and zigzag design, while the other has three registers filled with herringbone patterns. These spear throwers are excellent examples of complex Aboriginal decorative carving and demonstrate the care and attention that was paid to even the most utilitarian of objects.