Spearthrower "woomera" ·  Australia, West · ID: 3040038

Description

wood, brown patina, red and white pigment, stone-fluted zigzag-pattern on the front side, wooden thorn fixed by spinifex resin, slightly dam., sheathing of the handle with spinifex resin missing;
the “woomera” was used as a lever to project spears with great force. It increased the range and speed of the spear. Additionally the spear-thrower served as a multifunctional tool doubling as a serving plate for food, a palette for preparing and mixing paint, as well as part of a fire-making unit.