Summary

A late nineteenth or early twentieth century transitional boomerang carved with images of a horse's head and saddle. The symbol in the middle replicates the official Queensland Government mark or stamp that was applied to government property.

Physical Description

A boomerang made of a single piece of wood. The upper surface is intricately carved or engraved with the head of a horse; a "Q/arrow shape/G" motif, and a saddle. Reverse side - plain.

Significance

The inclusion of the Queensland Government mark or stamp as a motif makes this a significant and unique work. The Q and G separated by a broad arrow sits in between the image of a horse's head and a saddle. This ordinance mark was used between 1890 to 1910 however the boomerang could have been made after this time. The motif was used by police and Aboriginal trackers, and one historic image taken of an official blanket distribution day at Herberton in northeast Queensland shows blankets emblazoned with this mark. An image of a spade similar to that found on playing cards is carved at one end. It is likely that this boomerang was made by an Aboriginal man who was either a tracker or Native Trooper, and/or involved in the pastoral industry.

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