46 Dircclofs Annual Report. 



at the distal end which has become indistinct through use. The 

 thickening of the handle to prevent slipping is noteworth5% as is 

 also the depression at the end. A cross secftion of this fine club 

 reveals one face more convex than the other — a charadleristic 

 feature, not only of all boomerangs but of many other Australian 

 weapons. A splendid example of the so-called native sword is also 

 shown in Plate III, No. <S745, which exhibits a full development 

 to the spatulate form from the early cylindrical type. Specimens 

 of such weapons are rare and generall}- of ancient workmanship. 

 The handle of the specimen considered is covered with gum- 

 cement, and the remains of a few irregular red bars are seen at the 

 distal end. A more modern form of sword, which is said to owe 

 its shape to white influence, though unconscious imitation of the 

 boomerang may also have assisted, is shown in Plate III, No. 7444. 

 The unusual size of this weapon must have greatly lessened its 

 value. Ornate sword-shaped clubs are also found, the use of which 

 was probably ceremonial or executional. 



Bent Hand Clubs. — The earliest form of this weapon was 

 the simple crook afforded by the natural bend of the branch from 

 which it was shaped. Its use at first was probably little more than 

 for reaching a body which had fallen in battle, in order to drag it 

 from the fight. Such a primitive implement is seen on the ceiling 

 of the Australian alcove. No. 8751. vSoon, however, the efficacy 

 of this weapon as a means of attack was appreciated, and the in- 

 vention of the "Leonile" — the most dangerous of Australian close 

 combat weapons — resulted. The deadly quality of this club is due 

 to its shape, which allows the attacker to reach over the guard of 

 the enemy with a blow almost impossible to parry. Another fea- 

 ture, and one which probably greatly enhanced its value to the 

 native, was that the kidneys of the enemy, the seat of life, were 

 exposed tO' the attack of the leonile. The weapon is similar to the 

 simple hook club in general shape, but it is flattened and the distal 

 end is acutely pointed. To construct this weapon advantage is 

 taken of a suitable growth in the branches or roots of a hard wood 

 tree such as the Etccalyptics ex2irata. A far more formidable weap- 

 on of the same kind and of enormous reach is seen on the ceiling 

 among the Solomon Island weapons in the alcove devoted to that 

 region. Of such weapons the Museum posse.sses several specimens 



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