SPEARS "WITH INCISED ORNAMENT — ETHERIDGE. 
177 
The second shorter spear is carved to a certain extent like the 
first. From the butt to within two feet seven inches of the point, 
two encircling or spiral bands traverse the surface exactly as in 
the first spear, but they are connected by two other bands run- 
ning somewhat obliquely to the weapon’s length, and at the same 
time are discontinuous, leaving free or unoccupied gaps. The 
result is that even these disconnected bands become in the long 
run elongately spiral in a contrary direction to the main bands, 
and, where present, divide the spear surface into long ovals. Some 
of the latter are occupied by zig-zag lines of nicks, either trans- 
verse to the length of the weapon, or oblique to it. The apical 
space of two feet seven inches contains an undoubted human 
figure, with both arms raised straight above the head, a boomer- 
ang-like object, and a third outline that may be intended to 
represent a fish ; the first and last figures are obliquely cross- 
incised. It is to be noted that the position of the arms in the 
human figure is one frequently seen in similar representations 
amongst the rock-carvings of the Sydney District, and on the dilly- 
baskets of North-Central Australia. Above the figures, and to 
the apex, the surface is occupied by a single broad spiral band 
cross-barred, the interstitial surfaces being ornamented in a similar 
manner to those of the lower portion of the weapon. 
The third spear presents a complex style of incised sculpture, 
extending from within eight inches of the base to four inches of 
the point. It consists of short spiral bands terminating simply; 
others meander and return on themselves, either at one or both 
ends; some again cross others forming oval loops by their inter- 
section, ultimately becoming so complex that it is difficult to 
follow the pattern. Near the centre of the spear, on two of the 
interspaces are two objects that may be intended for shields, 
whilst on a third is another that has some general resemblance to 
a conventionalised bird. The human form is absent. The carving 
on this weapon is much rougher, and less well executed than on 
the others, In all, the section is circular, the ends pointed, acutely 
at the apex, obtusely at the butt. 
I am unable to state, either the immediate locality of these 
spears, or the site of their manufacture. The first described by 
me was derived from Angledool, on the Narran River, close to 
the Queensland Border, in Central North New South Wales. The 
equally long weapon, now described, is believed to be from the 
Paroo River, rather more to the west, but from which side of the 
border is not known. It seems possible that whether manufactured 
or merely localised, this type of spear may be regarded as charac- 
teristic of the district in question. It is, however, very difficult 
and even hazardous, in the absence of definite information, added 
to the practice of barter, so common amongst the Australian 
Aborigines, to fix the locality of any weapon or implement. 
