Woomera (spear-thrower) facts for kids
A woomera is a special wooden tool used by Aboriginal people in Australia. It helps them throw spears much faster and with more power. Think of it like an extension of your arm, making the spear go further and hit harder than if you just threw it by hand. It's similar to a tool called an atlatl found in other parts of the world.
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What's in a Name?
The word "woomera" comes from the Dharug language. This language was spoken by the Eora people who lived around the area where Sydney is today. The name "Woomera" was also given to a town in South Australia. This town was started in 1947. It became home to a place that tested long-range weapons, which was sometimes called the "Woomera Rocket Range." Today, it's known as the RAAF Woomera Range Complex.
What Does a Woomera Look Like?
Woomeras are usually between 61 and 91 centimeters (about 2 to 3 feet) long. Just like many tools made by Aboriginal Australians, woomeras come in many different designs.
- Some woomeras have one end that is about 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) wide. This wide part might be curved like an airplane wing. The other end is usually pointed and has a small hook.
- Other woomeras, especially those from northern Australia, are much thinner, less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. They are made of flat wood. They have a wooden point that angles back along the woomera's flat side. This point is held in place with a sticky substance called Spinifex wax.
- Many woomeras were decorated with special carvings or painted designs. These designs could show which language group the woomera belonged to. This meant if it was lost, people would know where to return it.
How Was the Woomera Used?
People have been using woomeras for a very long time. Records show they started using them about 5,000 years ago. There's even evidence from the ancient Mungo Man, who lived at least 43,000 years ago. His bones show signs of a lot of elbow use, which could be from using a woomera. Even today, some people in remote parts of Australia still use them.
Traditionally, only men used woomeras, just like they used spears and boomerangs.
More Than Just a Spear Thrower
Some woomeras, especially those from the central and western Australian deserts, were very useful multi-purpose tools.
- Many of these woomeras were shaped like long, narrow bowls. This shape was perfect for carrying water-soaked plants. The water wouldn't spill, and people could suck the moisture out later. They also used them to carry small food items like lizards or seeds.
- A lot of woomeras had a sharp stone cutting edge called a tula adze. This sharp tool was attached to the handle using black gum from the triodia plant. It was used for many tasks, such as cutting up animals after a hunt or preparing other food and wood.
- It's also thought that the woomera could be used as a shield. It might have offered some protection against incoming spears and boomerangs.
The Art of Throwing
Using a woomera takes skill. Here's how it works:
- You hold the woomera in one hand.
- With your other hand, you place the end of the spear onto the woomera's hook.
- The woomera's hollow, curved shape helps you line up the spear easily, even without looking.
- When you throw, the woomera acts like a longer arm. This greatly increases how fast the spear flies.
- If an animal tries to dodge, the thrower can tilt the wing-shaped woomera during the throw. This allows for small, last-second changes to the spear's direction.
Scientists have even calculated how powerful a woomera throw is. A spear launched from a woomera can have four times the energy of an arrow shot from a modern compound bow!
Different Styles of Woomeras
Different Aboriginal groups created woomeras with unique shapes and styles. For example:
- Woomeras from the central desert areas are often very wide and slightly bowl-shaped.
- Those from the Kimberley region are usually flat, long, and narrow.
