Boomerang

Museum number: UEM176 

Material: Wood

Region and culture: Australia (aboriginal) 

Description: Wooden Aboriginal boomerang. Approximate 73 cm and decorated with a wavy pattern. The pattern has been interpreted to represent clan affiliation, though which clan is represented is not known. The boomerang has not been dated and there is unfortunately no documentation of where in Australia it comes from. Boomerangs functioned as weapons during hunting and warfare. There are usually two different types of boomerangs: the returning type (for hunting birds) and the non-returning type, used for hunting larger preys and during warfare.  

This boomerang was collected by Fredrik Ring whilste being a tradesman in Valparaiso, Chile during the 1820s. In 1854 Consul Ring donated the boomerang to the Ethongraphic museum.