Aboriginal ]\'oodcn Weapons of A^istralia. 39 



shield. The tree seletfted for their construdtion is the bastard cork 

 or Stuart's bean tree, a species of Erythrina . The most usual 

 oruamentatioii takes the form of parallel longitudinal grooves, as a 

 rule showing a pronounced "fault" across the centre. The ground 

 color of the weapon is often dull red. Other patterns of ornamenta- 

 tion are employed, but the one already described is probably the 

 most chara(5leristic. The whole appearance of the western shield 

 is artistic, and much taste is shown in its symmetrical design and 

 simple decoration. The extreme lightness of the weapon, how- 

 ever, renders it liable to split. In such cavSes, the crack is neatly 

 mended with kangaroo or emu tendon, which is applied wet, in 

 order to bring the edges closely together whilst drying. Such a 

 device is seen in No. 8749, Plate I. The decoration of the obverse 

 is of the kind described, and the scoring on the reverse is similar 

 to that on many boomerangs. Kach alternate groove on the front 

 of this specimen is colored dull red. > 



The Geeam Group. — The Geeam in general contour more 

 nearly recalls the usual pattern of the South African weapons. 

 It is construdled of bark, and in shape is oval, tapering consider- 

 ably at each extremity of its longest diameter. The mauufa(5lure 

 of this shield is somewhat complicated, requiring considerable 

 skill and manipulative dexterity. Its outline is first cut upon the 

 trunk of a living gum tree, and the contained bark is then care- 

 fully removed. The best shields are construd:ed of one piece with 

 the handle, and in this case it is necessary to leave a part of the 

 wood adhering to the centre of the sheet of bark from which to 

 fashion it. Shields of this kind are of ancient work and are diffi- 

 cult to procure. After removing the bark a mound of compressed 

 earth, of the form the weapon is to take, is constructed. This is 

 covered with hot ashes upon which the, bark is firmh- held until it 

 has taken the permanent shape required. The shield is completed 

 by shaping the handle and decorating. The usual dimensions of 

 the geeam are approximately 40 in. long, 10 in. wide, and some- 

 what less than Yz in. in thickness. 



OFFENSIV:^ WEAPONS. 



The wooden weapons of offense found among the Australians 

 may be broadly divided into two great divisions represented by the 

 spears and clubs. Centring around these are the weapons either 

 associated with their use, or developed from them. 



[179] 



