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.
Significance
This spearthrower was part of the collection of Lindsay Walker, who obtained it in 1959 from Mrs Saunders. The number 768 is written on the blade but it is unclear to which collection this number refers.
More Information
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Object/Medium
Spearthrower
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Maker
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Locality
Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Date Produced
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Date Collected
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Object Measurements
680 mm (Length), 50 mm (Width), 35 mm (Height)
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Keywords
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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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Collecting Areas
Australian Indigenous - Northern Australia and Queensland and Torres Strait Islands