Why Is The Australian Boomerang An Australian Icon?
It is noted by anthropologists to be used by just about every developing civilization in some variety or another around the world. A collection was even found in a Pharaohs tomb which places them in Egypt at least 3,000 years ago. The Australian ceremonial clap sticks are large hardwood boomerang shaped objects with one end longer than the other and only slightly curved.
These clap sticks were sometimes used for fighting but are mostly used for hunting and cultural ceremonial events and is a non returning carefully balanced boomerang. The commercialised returning boomerang made from plastics or laminated plywood are far different from the ones produced by the Aboriginal craftsmen for their own personal use.
Boomerangs common to Australia’s Aborigines are of both the returning and non returning types with different types common to different areas.
Some may be plain, others are painted and some have delicately carved scenes.
The boomerang has remained popular for the indigenous population because they were so isolated from the more modern methods of hunting and killing.
It is also likely that because of this continued use for thousands of years that It was improved in style and useability.
It is because of the continued use of this implement of war, peaceful ceremonial rhythm maker and weapon to assist in food gathering that the Australian Boomerang has become a symbol of Australia.
Today there are contests regarding throwing and catching the boomerang in many parts of the world but the Australian Aboriginal holds the record for continually using it for the longest time.
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