Name/TitleWomera / spearthrower
About this objectSpearthrowers are also commonly known as Woomera or Miru. The spearthrower is usually made from mulga wood and has a multi-function purpose. It is however primarily designed to launch a spear.
The thrower grips the end covered with Spinifex resin and places the end of the spear into the small peg on the opposite end of the spearthrower. The spear can then be launched with substantial power at an enemy or prey.
Inserted into the Spinifex resin of the handle of many spearthrowers is a very sharp piece of quartz rock. This is used for cutting, shaping or sharpening. The spearthrower was also used as a fire-making saw, as a receptacle of mixing ochre, in ceremonies and to deflect spears in battle.
(Source: http://www.mbantua.com.au/aboriginal-weapons/)
MakerUnknown
Maker RoleMaker
Date Madec 1800s
Period19th century
Place MadeSouth Australia
Medium and MaterialsCarved wood, resin, native twine
Object TypeIndigenous History
Object numberSF001117
Copyright Licence
Attribution - Non-commercial - No Derivatives (cc)
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The mug is decorated with an underglaze and a blue transfer print. On the body, it is titled ‘Emigrants to Australia’. This type of body and glaze was discontinued by 1840. Comparison of the handle shape and the profile of the foot, point to the attribution of manufacture by the Davenport Factory.
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The Delta carried 29 crew and passengers, while sailing from Melbourne to Batavia in ballast when wrecked at Kenn Reefs on 30 May 1854 whilst under the command of Captain J.G. Kunst. This vessel loss supports the pattern of shipwrecks located on a well-travelled shipping route that was poorly charted until the mid-nineteenth century. The crew of the Delta could see four other shipwrecks at Kenn Reefs at the time of their vessel’s loss.
Important image of a ship associated with Matthew Flinders, that would shortly become one of the most famous early shipwrecks in eastern Australian waters. This is a fine ship’s portrait, by one of the great exponents of the art