Item X 81299 mangal | Spearthrower. Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. c.1950

Summary

The spearthrower is one of three types used by men in eastern Arnhem Land. It is used to propel spears and is the type always carried by men including in ceremony.

Local Name

mangal

Physical Description

A wooden spearthrower painted with natural pigments. A wooden peg is secured with resin at the distal end. Both sides are painted with distinctive designs of cross-hatching, abstract motifs and a water monitor lizard.