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.
More Information
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Object/Medium
Spear
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Maker
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Cultural Groups
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Locality
Buckingham Bay, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Date Produced
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Collector
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Date Collected
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Object Measurements
2672 mm (Length), 51 mm (Width)
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Classification
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Date Made
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Maker
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Clan/Language Group
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Place Made
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Indigenous Region
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Keywords
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Acquisition Information
Long-term Loan from The University of Melbourne, 28 Mar 1973
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Collection Names
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Type of item
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Discipline
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Category
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Acknowledgement
The Donald Thomson Collection. On loan to Museum Victoria from The University of Melbourne.