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 priveleged".
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.
Local Name
warrngul
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
Donald Thomson, Australian Indigenous - Northern Australia and Queensland and Torres Strait Islands
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Acquisition Information
Long-term Loan from University of Melbourne (The), 28 Mar 1973
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Acknowledgement
The Donald Thomson Collection. On loan to Museum Victoria from The University of Melbourne.
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Maker
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Date Produced
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Collector
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Date Collected
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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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Locality
Buckingham Bay, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Cultural Groups
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Object/Medium
Spear
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Measurements
2672 mm (Length), 51 mm (Width)
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Object Measurements
2670 mm (Length), 60 mm (Width), 60 mm (Height)
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Keywords