Item X 81317 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. It is painted on both sides with totemic figures using natural pigments.

Local Name

mangal

Physical Description

A wooden spearthrower painted with natural pigments. A wooden peg is secured with resin at the distal end. A cross is painted against a background of yellow ochre at the distal end on both sides, and a figure of a water monitor lizard appears on one side and a snake on the reverse.