430 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 



distinctive characters according to district, as in the zig-zag 

 patterns of Western Australia, where the shields are longer and 

 narrower than in the east, often grooved in a neat pattern with 

 alternate lines in red and white pigments. The larger shields were 

 used more frequently for ceremonial purposes, and on this account 

 were painted in appropriate designs. Professor Spencer and Mr. 

 Gillen state in regard to the construction of the shields of some of 

 the Central Australian tribes, " The symmetry is perfect, and with 

 only a flint as a cutting agent the workmanship is astonishing." 

 The ornamentation of shields is never elaborate, being confined to 

 the grooving and colouring in application of the straight or curved 

 line. As far as observed there is no evidence of inlaying. 



The boomerang is the most distinctive Australian weapon and 

 the one which shows a remarkable ingenuity in its construction. 

 The curved root or branch of such a tree as the she-oak is used in 

 its manufacture. Some boomerangs are very artistically made, 

 with just the amount of curve, poise, and flexion ; scraped, polished 

 and ornamented on one side, with serpentine or parallel lines and 

 bands carved or grooved with good effect. The return boomerang 

 was, or is, not altogether in general use throughout Australia, the 

 tribes in some districts of Western Queensland and also in some 

 parts of Central Australia only using the heavier non-returning 

 weapon. The Brisbane Museum has a splendid collection of 

 boomerangs illustrating great variation in type, from the return 

 weapon to the beaked boomerang of Northern Queensland, and 

 the fighting boomerang, three or four feet long, probably used 

 like a club. Many of the boomerangs from Queensland have 

 incised patterns, rather geometric in character than representing 

 natural forms. 



The nullahs or clubs are of great variety, and although often 

 well shaped, polished, and sometimes carved, are devoid of other 

 ornamentation. 



The throwing-stick, or woomera, is in general use throughout 

 Australia, varying in form from narrow to broad and leaf-like, 

 according to district. It is sometimes ornamented. In Northern 

 Queensland a shell is often attached to it. The peg into which the 

 end of the spear is inserted may be of wood or bone, the handle 

 often being enlarged by a piece of gum, into which is inserted a 

 flint or cutting stone. This throwing-stick, or javenlinthrower, is 

 one of the most ancient of weapons. It is interesting to And that 

 javelin-throwers, not differing much in form from the Australian 

 type, have been found well-preserved in the cave-dwellings of 

 pre-historic man at La Madelaine, in France. Some of these, of 

 bone or of reindeer horn, are skilfully carved with figures of 

 animals. The Australian woomeras are seldom ornamented. 



In the construction of spears the Australian aborigines have 

 shown great diversity and ingenuity. Some of these weapons 

 exhibit remarkable skill in workmanship. They differ in shape, 

 material, weight, and finish, varying with the district and the 

 constructive skill of different tribes. Some are in one piece, others 



