Summary

The spears made of stingray spines are highly prized in Arnhem Land. They are made and owned by the Djambarrpuyngu clan and anthropologist Donald Thomson noted in 1936 that "great jealousy is aroused if these spears should be made by any but those specifically privileged".

Local Name

warrngul

Physical Description

A composite spear with a recessed butt and a multi-pronged head of stingray spines attached with resin. The upper shaft is painted with natural pigments with stripes and dots.

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